30-Minute West African Chicken in Peanut Sauce
This hearty West African-inspired dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce and sweet vegetables. The sauce gets its depth from peanut butter and tomato paste, while sweet potatoes and turnips add natural sweetness and texture. Fresh ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes provide warmth and complexity. Served over fluffy couscous and finished with bright lime juice and cilantro, this comforting meal brings bold flavors together in one satisfying bowl. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something nourishing and globally inspired.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup peanuts, roasted and unsalted, chopped(optional)
- ¾ lb sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 turnips, small, peeled and choppedcarrots1:1none
similar sweetness and texture
- ½ bell peppers, red, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, fresh, grated
- ½ cup peanut butter, creamy
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups stock, any type
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes(optional)
- 1 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, chopped
- 3 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tbsp oil, cooking
- 1 Tbsp oil, cooking
- ½ limes, juice of
- 1 ½ Tbsp butter
- 2 cups water
- 1 ⅓ cups couscous, uncookedrice1:1 cookedgluten_freegluten-free
use cooked rice instead
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Place sweet potatoes and turnips in microwave-safe pan, cover with wet paper towel and microwave on high until sweet potatoes are tender
- 2
Season lightly with salt and pepper
- 3
Heat Dutch oven or wok over medium-high heat and add first portion of oil
- 4
Sear chicken until golden brown on all sides
- 5
Remove chicken and set aside, return pan to burner and reduce heat to medium
- 6
Add remaining oil, garlic, and bell peppers to hot pan
- 7
Saute until garlic is fragrant
- 8
Add sweet potatoes, turnips, and peanut sauce and bring to simmer
- 9
Simmer until sauce reduces slightly
- 10
Return chicken to pan, spooning sauce over top
- 11
Continue to simmer until chicken is cooked through
- 12
Season with salt and pepper
- 13
Top with lime juice, cilantro, and chopped peanuts
- 14
Reheat couscous briefly in microwave
- 15
Spoon chicken, vegetables, and sauce over couscous
Tips
Don't let the sauce boil once chicken is added or the meat will become tough and dry
If couscous seems dry when reheating, fold in a splash of stock or water to restore moisture
Turnips should retain some crunch after microwaving while sweet potatoes become tender
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prepare peanut sauce base 1 day ahead, add chicken day of serving
Serve hot over couscous or rice with lime wedges on the side
Common Mistakes
Don't boil sauce once chicken is added to avoid tough meat
Don't overcook vegetables in microwave or they'll become mushy
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
use cooked rice instead
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable stock. Cooking time will be slightly reduced.
What if I don't have a microwave for the vegetables?
Steam vegetables in a pot with small amount of water for 5-7 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender but turnips still have bite.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add splash of stock if sauce thickens too much.