Palm Oil Chicken Stew with Plantains

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

A hearty Cameroonian stew featuring tender chicken simmered in rich palm oil with ripe plantains and local spices. This west african-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, palm oil, medium ripe plantains for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 West African cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp palm oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside. Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened. Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, fresh thyme, remaining 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes. Peel and slice plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds, adding them to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking until tender but not mushy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Palm Oil Chicken Stew with Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Palm Oil Chicken Stew with Plantains?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Palm Oil Chicken Stew with Plantains?

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 Palm Oil Chicken Stew with Plantains 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 Palm Oil Chicken Stew with Plantains?

West African one pot 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.

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