Belizean Recado Stewed Chicken Recipe

Red Recado Stewed Chicken with Potato Salad, Rice, and Beans, Fried Plantain, and Cortido… need I say more? 

Recado Rojo is a spice blend, the main ingredient and color is annatto, but it also includes oregano, cumin, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, garlic, and salt. Achiote is a spice extracted from annatto seeds and is what gives the Recado its distinctive color: rich, deep red.

Red Recado is a very common spice blend throughout Belize and the Yucatan peninsula. It’s often homemade, but can also be purchased, often from local vendors or neighbors! When purchased from a local source, it’s been rolled into little spice balls, approximately an inch in diameter. Recipes will often tell you how many of these balls to use rather than measuring volume in the more traditional way, with teaspoons and tablespoons. For this recipe, you will need enough Belizean red recado to make a thin paste to rub all parts of the chicken.

Belizean Recado Stewed Chicken Recipe

Ingredients for Belize Recado Stew Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 3 tablespoons recado paste
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Water (as needed)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Belizean Recado Stewed Chicken Recipe:

1. In a large bowl or marinating bag, mix the recado paste and 4 tablespoons of water using a fork until smooth. Pour the recado mixture over the chicken, ensuring an even coating. Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
2. Dice the onion. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sauté onion until translucent.
3. Add marinated chicken pieces, browning both sides (3-5 minutes per side).
4. Add water until just below the top of the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours. Periodically check and stir the chicken.

This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 20 minutes. Cook time is about 90 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair the Belize Recado Stew Chicken with steamed rice and beans.
• Accompany it with warm corn tortillas for an authentic experience.
• Enjoy with a refreshing hibiscus tea or tropical fruit drink.

Notes and Tips:

• Recado paste is a Belizean spice blend made with achiote seeds and spices.
• Adjust cooking time for desired tenderness.
• Customize spiciness with diced habanero pepper.

We hope you enjoy preparing this Authentic Belize Recado Stew Chicken recipe.

Share your feedback and nutritional insights in the comments below. Happy cooking!