Braised Cameroonian Chicken with Njama Njama Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich spicy tomato sauce paired with sautéed Njama Njama leaves, a traditional Cameroonian green vegetable. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown them for 4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize, then add 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, 1 finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, 2 thyme sprigs, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and pour in 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken simmers, heat 2 tablespoons of palm oil or vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of washed and chopped Njama Njama greens and sauté for 5-6 minutes until wilted but still vibrant.
  6. Step 6: Serve the braised chicken hot with the sautéed greens on the side, spooning plenty of the spicy tomato sauce over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Cameroonian Chicken with Njama Njama Greens take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Cameroonian Chicken with Njama Njama Greens?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Cameroonian Chicken with Njama Njama Greens?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Cameroonian Chicken with Njama Njama Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Cameroonian Chicken with Njama Njama Greens?

African chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes