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African Dinner
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine african
Servings 6
Calories 520 kcal

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
Keyword African-inspired, chicken casserole, comfort food, heirloom meal, peanuts, sweet potatoes, vintage recipe
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