African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe
African Chicken Peanut Stew is a soulful, richly layered comfort dish that perfectly blends tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, vegetables, and warming spices. Every spoonful is hearty yet vibrant, transporting you straight to a West African kitchen where the aroma of simmering, nutty goodness is impossible to resist. With just a handful of pantry staples and some bold, fresh ingredients, you can bring this nutritious, flavor-packed stew to your own table—whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or simply craving something cozy and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to gather what you need for African Chicken Peanut Stew. Every ingredient matters, coming together for a dish that’s not only creamy and savory, but also bright and a touch spicy. Here’s a quick rundown so you understand exactly how each piece plays its part.
- Vegetable oil: Helps brown the chicken and sauté your aromatics for the essential flavor base.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, tender pieces hold up beautifully to stewing and soak up all those bold seasonings.
- Salt and pepper: A simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of your other ingredients.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, forming the backbone of the stew’s aromatic profile.
- Garlic: Brings pungency and an unmistakable warmth every stew needs.
- Fresh ginger: Gives a gentle kick and a bit of zing that brightens the overall flavor.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and fragrant, it anchors the spices with rich, subtle layers.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings a hint of heat—adjust it up or down to suit your personal spice meter.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness and enhances color for a comforting visual appeal.
- Cinnamon: Just a hint for a whisper of sweetness and complexity.
- Sweet potato: Adds color, natural sweetness, and creamy texture that plays so well with peanut butter.
- Red bell pepper: Offers bright flavor and a welcome pop of red.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Lends tang and juiciness that rounds out the stew’s base.
- Natural peanut butter (creamy): Star of the show—its earthy richness defines the stew and creates that luscious, velvety finish.
- Chicken broth: Makes everything come together with luxurious depth—use low-sodium if you want more control over the seasoning.
- Chopped kale or spinach: Greens stirred in at the end keep things fresh, nourishing, and vibrant.
- Chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro: For garnish—nutty crunch and a bright, herbal finish as the final touch.
How to Make African Chicken Peanut Stew
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot oil. Give the pieces space so they sear and don’t steam—this step kickstarts all those delicious layers of flavor. Brown the chicken for about 5–6 minutes until golden. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and set it aside; you’ll finish cooking it later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In that glorious, flavorful oil left behind, toss in the chopped onion. Let it soften for about 3–4 minutes, scraping up the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Next, add your garlic, freshly grated ginger, cumin, cayenne, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Give everything a good stir—when you see and smell those spices blooming, you know you’re in for something special.
Step 3: Build the Stew Base
Add the cubed sweet potato, chopped red bell pepper, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice included). These veggies not only bulk up the stew but add sweetness, texture, and a little acidity. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot so they can mingle with the veggies and aromatics, then give everything a quick stir.
Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter and Broth
Carefully spoon in the natural peanut butter—this is where African Chicken Peanut Stew gets its signature richness. Pour in the chicken broth, then whisk or stir until the peanut butter melts and everything looks well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat so it simmers softly. This gentle bubbling is how all those flavors deepen and the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish with Greens
Let your stew simmer for 20–25 minutes uncovered. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender, the chicken perfectly cooked, and the broth thickened to a luxurious texture. In the last few minutes, stir in your chopped kale or spinach. These greens wilt quickly, so you only need an extra 3–5 minutes. Taste the stew—adjust for salt, pepper, or heat if you wish. Now, you’re ready to serve up the magic.
How to Serve African Chicken Peanut Stew
Garnishes
Garnishing African Chicken Peanut Stew is more than just a finishing touch—it’s a celebration of texture and flavor! Don’t skip the sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts; they add a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the stew’s creamy base. The chopped fresh cilantro breathes in a burst of color and freshness, brightening every bowl.
Side Dishes
To turn your stew into a true feast, ladle it over a mound of fluffy steamed rice—jasmine or basmati soak up all those juices gloriously. If you’re looking for something different, warm flatbread or crusty rolls make excellent tools for swiping up every last drop. You might even consider pairing with warm millet or couscous for a more traditional West African experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get clever with how you serve African Chicken Peanut Stew by dishing it up in rustic bowls alongside mini piles of colorful greens or a swirl of thick Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. For a fun gathering, serve the stew “family style” in a big pot in the center of the table, garnished generously, and let everyone help themselves. Or, for a lunchbox twist, ladle it into thermoses with a side of crusty bread for an office meal that will turn heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store African Chicken Peanut Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only deepen and improve overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner something to look forward to. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully! Once it’s cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headroom for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its personality. When you’re ready for a taste of comfort, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If you’re using a microwave, cover the bowl and heat in short increments, stirring between bursts. A splash of water or broth can help revive the stew’s silky texture if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works in a pinch, though the result may be a touch less juicy than thighs. Be careful not to overcook, as breast meat is leaner and can dry out more easily. Thighs do lend extra richness, but use whatever you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Yes! For a plant-based take on African Chicken Peanut Stew, simply swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or cooked lentils. The peanut and vegetable flavors still shine through, making it equally filling and satisfying.
Do I have to use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter brings a clean, nutty depth without extra sugar or additives, but any creamy peanut butter will do if that’s what you’ve got. Just taste and adjust the stew at the end, as some brands are sweeter or saltier than others.
How spicy is this stew?
With the cayenne pepper in the mix, African Chicken Peanut Stew gets a gentle heat, but you’re in control. Add more or less cayenne depending on your preference, or swap for hot sauce if that’s your go-to style of spice.
Can I make this in advance for guests?
Definitely! The flavors meld and improve after a day in the fridge, so feel free to prepare African Chicken Peanut Stew ahead of time. Just reheat gently before serving and add your garnishes fresh for the best presentation and taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s as bold and nurturing as it is easy to make, African Chicken Peanut Stew will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Every bowl is bursting with flavor, comfort, and a bit of culinary adventure. Give it a try—and don’t forget those crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro on top!
Print
African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of flavorful African Chicken Peanut Stew, a hearty dish with tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a rich peanut butter broth. This West African-inspired stew is a perfect blend of savory and slightly spicy, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stew:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, creamy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Heat oil in a pot, season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 5–6 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, cayenne, paprika, and cinnamon; cook until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in sweet potato, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and chicken. Mix in peanut butter and chicken broth.
- Cook Stew: Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Add kale/spinach and cook for 3–5 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with peanuts and cilantro.
Notes
- Serve over rice or with flatbread for a heartier meal.
- Flavors deepen if stew sits overnight. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
