Description
Experience the rich and creamy flavors of Malawian Groundnut Chicken, a comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory peanut butter and tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices and herbs. This recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty tastes, perfect for a hearty family meal served over rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Sauté onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Brown the chicken: Add the skinless, boneless chicken thighs to the skillet. Brown them on all sides by cooking about 5 to 7 minutes total, which helps to develop flavor and seal in juices.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared peanut butter sauce over the browned chicken, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low to allow gentle cooking.
- Cook covered: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and let the chicken cook for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors. The chicken should become tender and fully cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning and consistency: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little more chicken broth to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the hot groundnut chicken over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper to taste or add chopped fresh chili.
- Use skin-on chicken thighs if preferred; just adjust cooking time to ensure doneness.
- This dish can be made a day ahead, as flavors deepen overnight.
- To keep it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
