How to Make Traditional Haitian Chicken & Gravy (Sauce Poul)

The Classic Taste of Haitian Chicken & Gravy (Sauce Poul)

If you’ve ever had Sauce Poul, you know it’s not just a meal, it’s a Sunday favorite in almost every Haitian home. The chicken is marinated in Epis, browned for rich color, and simmered down in a flavorful sauce until tender. That thick, savory gravy pairs perfectly with white rice, fried plantains, or macaroni au gratin.

Every household has its own touch, but the base stays the same, garlic, bell pepper, parsley, thyme, and bouillon. It’s comfort food that tells the story of home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

• 3 lbs chicken (cut in pieces)
  
  

• 2 tbsp Haitian Epis Dry Blend Mild or Spicy
  
  

• 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
  
  

• 1 tsp salt
  
  

• 1 tsp black pepper
  
  

• 1 tbsp oil for browning
  
  

For the gravy:

• 1 tbsp tomato paste
  
  

• 1 cup hot water
  
  

• 1 small onion, sliced
  
  

• ½ bell pepper, sliced
  
  

• 1 sprig thyme
  
  

• Optional: ½ habanero for heat
  
  

 

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Sauce Poul

1. Clean & Marinate the Chicken
   Rinse your chicken with vinegar or lemon water. Pat dry. Add salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of our Haitian Epis Dry Blend Mild (for classic flavor) or Spicy (for a little heat). Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
   
   

2. Brown the Chicken
   In a large pot, heat oil and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. This step builds flavor and gives that signature golden color. Remove and set aside.
   
   

3. Make the Sauce (Gravy)
   In the same pot, add tomato paste, onion, and bell pepper. Stir until fragrant. Slowly add hot water and stir to create a smooth sauce. Return the chicken to the pot, add thyme, and simmer until tender and the gravy thickens.
   
   

4. Taste & Serve
   Adjust salt to your liking. Serve your Sauce Poul with rice, fried plantains, or Haitian macaroni for a full meal.
   

 

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How Our Epis Dry Blends Bring the Flavor Home

Making Epis from scratch can cost over $25 in ingredients and hours of prep time. Our Haitian Epis Dry Blend Mild and Epis Dry Blend Spicy give you that same traditional flavor, without the chopping, blending, or mess.

The Mild blend gives a rich, garlicky flavor perfect for daily meals, while the Spicy blend brings that extra Haitian kick that elevates chicken, pork, and seafood.

Both blends are made with authentic herbs and spices used in Haitian homes for generations.

 

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Bring Real Haitian Flavor to Your Kitchen

Cooking Sauce Poul shouldn’t feel like hard work, it should feel like home.

Add a spoonful of our Haitian Epis Dry Blend Mild or Spicy to your next chicken dish and taste the difference.

👉 You can find a bottle of our Epis Dry Blends on our website:
Dinner Ideas Collective

 

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Bring Haitian Flavor Home Today

If you love real Haitian cooking but don’t always have time to make epis from scratch, our Epis blend is for you. Try our Epis Dry Blend Mild & Spicy and experience authentic flavor made simple.

You can find a bottle on our website:

👉 Dinner Ideas Collective

 

 

 

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