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Chicken Souse Recipe

Rohini Deekonda
Chicken souse is a delicious and vibrant dish that's full of Caribbean flavors. It's a wonderful way to enjoy chicken in a tangy and spicy preparation.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, and wings work well)
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeds removed and minced (adjust for desired spice level)
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 6-8 cups water
  • 1-2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken:
    In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, lime juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • Prepare the Broth:
    In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  • Add Aromatics:
    Add the minced garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, green bell pepper, fresh thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
  • Brown the Chicken:
    Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and add them to the pot. Brown the chicken on all sides for a few minutes.
  • Add Water:
    Pour in enough water to cover the chicken, usually about 6-8 cups. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Simmer:
    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Potatoes and Cucumbers:
    Add the potato chunks to the pot and continue to simmer until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Serve:
    Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.Serve the chicken souse hot, garnished with thinly sliced cucumbers and fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Chicken souse is often enjoyed with bread or a side of rice. It's a comforting and tangy dish with a hint of heat from the Scotch bonnet pepper. Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference, and enjoy this Caribbean classic!
Keyword Chicken Broth, Chicken Broth Recipe, Chicken Soup,, Chicken Souse Recipe