Mancarra Chicken is a beloved dish from Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the rich and earthy flavors of peanut butter, fresh tomatoes, onions, and tender chicken. Unlike other versions of West African Peanut Stew, the Guinea-Bissau stylekeeps it simple—focusing on the natural taste of peanuts and fresh ingredients.

This is a must-try dish if you love comforting, slow-cooked flavors with a touch of spice. 🍛✨

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4-5)

• 3 lbs (1.5 kg) chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 fresh hot peppers (habanero or Scotch bonnet; adjust to taste)
• 3-4 fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
• 1 cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 3 cups water, divided (adjust for consistency)
• Salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice (to taste)

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🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches for about 5 minutes per side, ensuring it doesn’t become watery. Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Vegetables

• In the same pot, sauté the onions until soft (about 5 minutes).
• Add the minced garlic and hot peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes.

3️⃣ Add the Tomatoes

• Stir in the chopped tomatoes and let them cook down for 5 minutes until they start breaking down.

4️⃣ Prepare the Peanut Sauce

• In a bowl, mix the peanut butter with 2 cups of water to form a smooth sauce. Add more water if needed to adjust consistency.

5️⃣ Simmer the Stew

• Return the chicken to the pot, then pour in the peanut sauce.
• Add 1 more cup of water to mostly submerge the chicken.
• Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally and add more water if the sauce thickens too much.

6️⃣ Final Adjustments

• Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
• Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve with rice, millet, or cassava.
• For an extra authentic touch, pair with fried plantains or fresh greens.

✨ This hearty, peanut-rich dish is a true comfort food, bringing the flavors of Guinea-Bissau straight to your kitchen! Let me know if you try it!