Description
Hearty African Chicken Stew delivers rich, spicy comfort with tender meat simmered in robust tomato and pepper sauce. Fragrant herbs and warming spices invite you to savor a delicious culinary journey through West African kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 0.5 lbs chicken breast
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 onions
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 carrots
Spices and Liquids:
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming excess fat and cutting into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
- Dice onions, mince garlic, chop tomatoes and bell peppers, and slice carrots into uniform thin rounds to promote even cooking and balanced texture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
- Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and slightly crisp, developing rich caramelized flavors and sealing in moisture for approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside, then add onions and garlic to the same pot, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste, stirring continuously to prevent burning, and cook for 2 minutes to intensify its deep, concentrated flavor profile.
- Introduce bell peppers, carrots, and spices (ginger, paprika, cumin, cayenne) to the pot, allowing them to bloom and release their aromatic essences.
- Return chicken to the pot, pour in chicken broth and water, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, covering and reducing heat to low.
- Slow-cook the stew for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
- Finish with lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich, complex stew.
- Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the stew.
- Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors and creates a delightful caramelized crust.
- Blooming spices in hot oil releases their essential oils, intensifying the aromatic depth and creating a more complex flavor profile for the African Chicken Stew.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, making the dish adaptable for sensitive palates or spice enthusiasts while maintaining authentic taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg