Chicken with Okra and Djon-Djon

Chicken with okra and djon-djon is a delicious and flavorful dish from Haiti. It is usually served with white rice or rice and beans for a complete meal.

Chicken with Okra and Djon-Djon, is another favorite dish in Haitian Cuisine. You may know about Black Rice, Rice with Djon-Djon, or Black Mushroom Rice and think this is the only way Haitians cook with djon djon. On the contrary, it is widely used with other grains such as cornmeal, bulgur wheat, and even in fish Creole recipes – the Haitian version of Fish in Creole Sauce.

This recipe is a quick version using Maggi Djon Djon Maggi. Can you use dried djon djon mushroom? Of course, you can. The djon-djon is a type of black mushroom that gives the dish its unique flavor.

Ingredients in Chicken with Okra and Djon-Djon

• Chicken thighs and legs: you may cut the thighs in half so they fit well in the pan.
• Vinegar to clean chicken: this is by choice. Only if you are used to cleaning your meat can you also use lemons or limes.
• Maggi djon-djon cubes: you can find them on Amazon and some local supermarkets.
• Garlic cloves: fresh garlic to season the chicken.
• Scallions: fresh is always better.
• Parsley: fresh parsley to season the chicken
• Thyme leaves only: for seasoning
• Whole cloves: for seasoning. You can also use ground cloves.
• Green bell peppers: the pepper adds a distinct taste and aroma when mixed with the okra and chicken.
• Onion: you can use yellow, white, or red onion.
• Sea salt or kosher salt
• Fresh Lime juice or apple cider vinegar
• Fresh or frozen okra tips removed: Okra is a good source of fiber and nutrients, adding a nice texture to the dish.
• Hot pepper chopped thinly, optional – habanero or Scotch Bonnet.
• Vegetable oil for frying the chicken

To make Chicken with Okra and Djon-Djon

• First, you will clean the meat, pat it dry, and season it.
• Pour the spices mixture on the chicken and make sure all pieces are coated. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour to two hours or overnight for flavor enhancement.
• If using dried mushrooms (Don-Djon), soak ½ cup of Djon-Djon in 2 cups of water for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bring to a boil and let boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool—strain the liquid and put it aside. The liquid is used for cooking chicken after frying.
• Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, and pat dry if possible. Set aside marinade.
• In a large skillet, heat up the oil.
• Fry each chicken piece until golden brown and set aside. Add the remaining marinade to another saucepan large enough to hold the chicken pieces and cook for 2 – 3 minutes. Place the chicken pieces into the saucepan. Mix with the seasoning.
• Scatter whole okras or cut up okras on chicken pieces.
• If you’re using Djon Djon Maggi Cubes dissolve into ¾ cup water. Add water to chicken and cook covered on medium heat for about 20 – 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and hot pepper if using, and cook for 10 additional minutes or until both chicken and okra are very tender. Remove from heat and serve with white rice, black beans puree, and boiled plantains.

Notes and Tips for the Chicken with Okra and Djon-Djon:

• For a more intense flavor, use more djon-djon powder if you can find it.
• Serve with rice or pasta.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Variations for the Chicken with Okra and Djon Djon Recipe:

• Add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, or spinach.
• Use different types of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks.
• Serve with your favorite salad russe recipe or leafy salad and fried or boiled plantains.

Chicken with okra and djon-djon is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. This dish is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Add more or less seasoning and hot pepper to taste, or add other vegetables to the dish. Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Originally published on October 1, 2014. Revised and updated.