Looking to add a taste of global flavors to your dinner table? This flavorful and aromatic Congolese Chicken recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Africa. With a perfect blend of spices and ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into creating this delicious dish together!
**Congolese Chicken**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in the ground ginger, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute to release their flavors.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful browned bits.
7. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter with a ladle of the hot cooking liquid from the skillet until smooth.
9. Stir the peanut butter mixture back into the skillet, mixing well to create a creamy and fragrant sauce.
10. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
This Congolese Chicken recipe is a wonderful combination of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Serve it over cooked rice or with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a perfect dish for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want to add a touch of culinary adventure to your table. Enjoy this flavorful meal and savor the taste of Africa right in your own home!
