Hearty West African Peanut Stew

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
• 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Hot cooked brown rice, optional