This heartwarming “African Dinner from Donna’s Day” is a rustic one-pan meal featuring savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, sweet potatoes, and a unique peanut-based twist. Inspired by West African culinary traditions, this recipe merges the hearty richness of stew-like comfort food with the sweetness of yams and the crunch of crushed peanuts. This dish is baked rather than stewed, making it an easy, oven-to-table experience that blends flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 frying chicken (cut up and browned)
- 1 can large can whole stewed tomatoes (large can , drained)
- 1 can green chili peppers (frozen or fresh, drained if canned)
- 2 sweet potatoes (medium , yams, peeled and cubed)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- ½ cup unsalted peanuts (crushed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs (hard-boiled , optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Brown cut-up chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat.
- Set aside once browned.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- In a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven, layer the ingredients:
- First add the chicken, followed by drained stewed tomatoes, green chilis, cubed sweet potatoes, and chopped onion.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top.
Step 3: Bake the Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the pan and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Place halved hard-boiled eggs on top just before serving (optional).
- Serve hot directly from the oven-to-table pan.
Tips
- Substitute turkey pieces for chicken for a lighter flavor.
- Add spinach or kale in the final 10 minutes for extra greens.
- Increase chili peppers for a hotter, more authentic African-style heat.
- Swap the peanuts for peanut butter (¼ to ⅓ cup) if preferred.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the dish feels too thick.
- Serve over rice or couscous to stretch the meal further.
- Add carrots or okra to increase vegetable variety.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 37gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 980mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 14500IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 3.2mg
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