Peanut Butter Braised Chicken with Senegalese Spices

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

Tender chicken thighs slowly braised in a rich, savory peanut sauce infused with traditional Senegalese spices for a hearty and aromatic meal. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, creamy peanut butter, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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: 50 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season 6 chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then brown them in the oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 2 cups water, whisking until smooth and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, spooning sauce over them. Cover and simmer gently for 35 minutes, turning the chicken halfway, until tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add fresh brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Peanut Butter Braised Chicken with Senegalese Spices take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Peanut Butter Braised Chicken with Senegalese Spices?

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 creamy peanut butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Peanut Butter Braised Chicken with Senegalese Spices?

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 Peanut Butter Braised Chicken with Senegalese Spices 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 Peanut Butter Braised Chicken with Senegalese Spices?

Ethiopian 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.

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