Senegalese Chicken
Savory Senegalese chicken stew with aromatic spices, tender chicken, peas, and toasted almonds, served over egg noodles for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 lb.)
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 small onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup celery leaves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon curry powder ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- milk as needed ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fine egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) box frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken, chicken broth, sliced onion, celery leaves, curry powder, salt, and pepper in a Dutch oven.
- Cover and simmer, turning the chicken more than halfway through cooking, for 45 minutes until tender and the thermometer reads 180°F in the thigh.
- Remove the chicken to a platter and strain the broth into a 2-cup measure, discarding solids.
- Skim fat from the broth and add milk as needed to make a total of 2 cups.
- Remove skin and discard, then remove meat from bones, discarding bones.
- Cut the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Add frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking the noodles.
- Drain the noodles and peas well.
- Combine the cooked noodles and peas with the chicken pieces.
- Stir in heavy cream and toasted slivered almonds.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional almonds if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices overnight. If you don't have celery leaves, fresh parsley can be a suitable substitute. To enhance creaminess, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness. This dish pairs beautifully with Jean'S Chicken Soup for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Senegalese Chicken hot, garnished with additional toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. This recipe is a great way to explore different chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Senegalese Chicken contains roughly 389 calories, with 14g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2545mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the whole chicken with bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring internal temperatures reach 180°F. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, try using hearty vegetables like cauliflower or chickpeas, but keep in mind the cooking times will vary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or diced fresh chili peppers when cooking the chicken. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. You can also serve the finished dish with a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and noodles ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just combine them with the peas and cream when ready to serve. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).