Galinha com Banana e Amendoim
A flavorful and comforting chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich peanut and tomato sauce, complemented by the sweetness of ripe plantains. This dish showcases a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, often served with rice or xima.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 large Ripe plantains(peeled and sliced)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned chopped tomatoes)
- 100 g Peanut butter(smooth)
- 200 ml Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 200 ml Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the coriander powder, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes, peanut butter, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- 7
Add the sliced plantains to the pot. Stir gently to combine, cover, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the plantains are tender but not mushy.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use ripe but firm plantains for the best texture and sweetness.
- ✓Adjust the amount of peanut butter and coconut milk to achieve your desired sauce consistency and richness.
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper along with the garlic and ginger.
🔄 Variations
- Add some chopped bell peppers (red or green) along with the onions for extra color and flavor.
- For a heartier meal, add some cooked chickpeas or black-eyed peas in the last 15 minutes of cooking.