Creamy, Rich & Bursting with Bold African-Inspired Flavors!

Whether you're preparing a comforting family dinner or looking for an easy one-pot meal, this African Peanut Butter Curry Chicken with Zucchini & Squash delivers tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, creamy peanut butter curry sauce infused with aromatic herbs, spices, and homemade green seasoning. Fresh zucchini and yellow squash add color, texture, and nutrition, making this hearty dish both satisfying and wholesome.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (plus marinating time)
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Homemade Green Seasoning

• 1 cup fresh cilantro (stems included)
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 6–8 scallions (green onions), chopped
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 4–6 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice or white vinegar
• Salt, to taste

For the Curry Sauce

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2–3 tbsp homemade green seasoning
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• ½–¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1–1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced

For Garnish

• Chopped cilantro or green onions
• Lime wedges (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Green Seasoning

Combine the cilantro, parsley, scallions, onion, garlic, ginger, green bell pepper, thyme, Scotch bonnet (if using), olive oil, lime juice, and salt in a blender or food processor.

Blend until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference.

Set aside 2–3 tablespoons for the curry and refrigerate the remaining seasoning in an airtight container for future use.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large bowl.

Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Add 2 tablespoons of the homemade green seasoning and toss until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add the garlic, grated ginger, and the remaining 1 tablespoon green seasoning.

Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 5: Bloom the Spices

Stir in the curry powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and become fragrant.

Step 6: Brown the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pot.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.

Step 7: Create the Peanut Curry Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.

Add the creamy peanut butter and stir until completely dissolved into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 8: Add the Vegetables

Stir in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash.

Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.

Squeeze in fresh lime juice for brightness, if using.

Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.

Serve hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, coconut rice, brown rice, couscous, quinoa, or with warm flatbread.

Chef's Tips

✔ Marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours for the deepest flavor.
✔ Toasting the curry powder before adding liquids develops a richer, more complex curry.
✔ Stir the peanut butter thoroughly into the broth to create a silky, lump-free sauce.
✔ Add the zucchini and squash near the end of cooking so they stay tender without becoming mushy.
✔ If the curry becomes too thick, simply stir in a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
✔ Freeze any leftover homemade green seasoning in ice cube trays for quick and convenient flavor additions to soups, stews, marinades, and curries.
✔ This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.