Braised Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce
A rich and flavorful Cameroonian chicken dish featuring tender braised chicken thighs simmered in a spicy tomato and vegetable sauce. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, chopped large tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, chopped large tomatoes
- 1, diced red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger root
- 1, finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season all over with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and sear the other side for 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and onions soften.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 chopped large tomatoes, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Braised Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce?
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 Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce 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 Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce?
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.
