Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure that will transport your senses straight to the heart of Africa! This African Style Chicken Stew is not just a recipe; it's a celebration of bold spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables that will make your kitchen come alive with exotic aromas and incredible taste. Whether you're a culinary explorer or simply craving something extraordinary, this dish promises to be a game-changer that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: African
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping onions, mincing garlic, peeling and chopping sweet potato and carrot into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
- Brown the seasoned chicken thighs in the pot for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add chopped sweet potato and carrot to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check that chicken is fully cooked and tender, and vegetables are soft. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, alongside rice or crusty bread.
Tips
- Spice Selection: Use fresh, high-quality spices like cumin and smoked paprika to ensure maximum flavor impact. Consider toasting whole spices briefly before grinding for an extra depth of flavor.
- Meat Preparation: For the most tender chicken, choose boneless, skinless thighs as they remain juicy and absorb spices beautifully. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Vegetable Cutting: Aim for uniform bite-sized pieces when chopping vegetables to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Layering Flavors: Don't rush the browning process for chicken and sautéing of onions. These steps build a rich flavor foundation for your entire dish.
- Simmering Secret: Keep the heat low and slow during the final cooking stage. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or traditional African sides like couscous or injera to complete your culinary experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
