Spiced South African Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

A hearty South African-inspired chicken stew featuring tender chicken and sweet potatoes simmered in a fragrant spiced tomato sauce. This african-inspired latin american ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear for 5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced South African Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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 Spiced South African Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced South African Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Spiced South African Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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 Spiced South African Chicken Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

African latin american 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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