Pam's African Chicken Stew

Warm, rich, and bursting with bold, vibrant flavors, Pam's African Chicken Stew is a soulful dish that brings the heart of African-inspired cuisine to your table. Featuring tender, golden-browned chicken thighs simmered in a robust tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like curry powder, ginger, and paprika, this one-pot wonder is a celebration of comfort food. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and red bell peppers add natural sweetness and color, while optional peanut butter lends a creamy depth to the stew. Perfectly balanced with a kick of heat from chili powder and topped with fresh cilantro or wilted spinach, this hearty stew is a versatile meal that pairs beautifully with rice, bread, or your favorite starch. Ready in just over an hour, it’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering rich flavors and wholesome ingredients to satisfy every palate.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 pieces chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional for creamy texture)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups spinach or kale (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it deepens in color and melds with the onions.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. If you prefer a creamier stew, stir in the peanut butter at this stage.

Step 6

Add the curry powder, paprika, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 7

Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, along with the carrots, red bell pepper, and sweet potatoes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 9

If using spinach or kale, stir it into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking to wilt it slightly.

Step 10

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot with rice, bread, or your preferred starch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2618.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2981.3

Total Fat 156.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.2g
Cholesterol 846mg	0%
Sodium 7139.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.0g	0%
Total Sugars 53.0g
Protein 264.7g	0%

Vitamin D 63IU	0%
Calcium 431.4mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 5875.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.1%

Protein: 35.3%

Carbs: 17.6%