West African Chicken

Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of West African cuisine with this hearty West African Chicken recipe, a dish that harmoniously blends savory, nutty, and subtly sweet notes. Tender bone-in chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, creamy peanut butter and tomato-based sauce, beautifully seasoned with garlic, ginger, and optional cayenne for a hint of heat. Sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness, while fresh spinach balances the dish with a pop of greenery. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this soulful one-pot meal is perfect served over steamed rice, fufu, or alongside crusty bread. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of under an hour, this comforting, protein-packed dish is both delicious and easy enough for weeknight family dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 4 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and brown the other side for an additional 4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to release the aromatics and deepen the flavor.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and peanut butter. Whisk until the peanut butter is fully incorporated. Add cayenne pepper if desired for extra heat.

Step 6

Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 8

Stir in the spinach and let it wilt, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt if needed.

Step 9

Serve the West African Chicken hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. Pair with steamed rice, fufu, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3020.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4629.4

Total Fat 310.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 972mg	0%
Sodium 8145.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.9g	0%
Total Sugars 54.6g
Protein 304.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 996.0mg	0%
Iron 40.2mg	0%
Potassium 8328.7mg	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: 59.0%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 15.3%