Description
Senegalese Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with warm spices, garlic, ginger, and optional peanut butter for creaminess. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s hearty, vibrant, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken with cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and chopped bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in peanut butter, if using.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30–40 minutes until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more cayenne if desired.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken breast, but thighs and drumsticks are juicier.
- Peanut butter is optional but adds creaminess and depth.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas and vegetables.
- Add sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini for extra heartiness.
- Serve with rice, couscous, or flatbread to soak up the sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Senegalese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
