Get ready to fall in love with African Chicken Peanut Stew—a soul-satisfying, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and a rich peanut broth. This comforting stew is both a celebration of West African flavors and an easy weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Every spoonful is packed with color, warmth, and a gentle kick of spice that will have your taste buds dancing. If you’re searching for something hearty, unique, and nourishing, look no further: African Chicken Peanut Stew is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of African Chicken Peanut Stew lies in its simple ingredients, each one bringing its own magic to the pot. Every component plays a part in building those layers of taste, from silky peanut butter to vibrant vegetables, and together they create a symphony of color and heartiness.
- Vegetable oil: Helps brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables, laying down a flavorful base for the stew.
- Chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these soak up all the flavors beautifully; thigh meat stays moist during simmering.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the aromatic base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that unmistakable, earthy aroma that makes every spoonful pop.
- Ginger: Grated ginger provides a zesty, slightly peppery note that balances the richness of the peanuts.
- Ground cumin: Warm, earthy, and comforting; it’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers subtle sweetness and warmth that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds gentle heat—feel free to adjust up or down depending on your spice preference!
- Sweet potato: Cubed for a natural sweetness and creaminess as they cook down in the stew.
- Red bell pepper: Diced for a pop of color and a fresh, juicy crunch in each bite.
- Canned diced tomatoes: These bring vibrant, tangy acidity and meld all the elements together.
- Natural peanut butter: The heart of the stew, lending characteristic creaminess and rich, nutty flavor.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything wonderfully moist and enhances the savory backdrop.
- Kale or spinach: Greens stirred in at the end for an earthy, nutritious boost and a splash of color.
- Salt and black pepper: For just the right balance and to bring all flavors into harmony.
- Chopped roasted peanuts and cilantro: Optional but delightful for garnish and a bit of crunch and freshness on top.
How to Make African Chicken Peanut Stew
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and let them turn golden brown on all sides—about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re not cooking them all the way through just yet; this quick browning step locks in juices and creates a rich foundation for the stew. Set the browned chicken aside for later.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
Using that same pot (don’t clean it—those tasty brown bits are precious!), sauté the diced onion over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for just a minute until fragrant. Their aromas are the backbone of this stew, setting the stage for everything that follows.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Next, sprinkle in the ground cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Let these spices toast for about 30 seconds, waking up their oils and building depth. Expect your kitchen to start smelling absolutely incredible right about now—this is a key moment in creating that iconic African Chicken Peanut Stew flavor.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Liquid
Now it’s time to pile in the diced sweet potato, bell pepper, canned tomatoes (with their juices), peanut butter, and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly—don’t be alarmed, the peanut butter will start off thick but will melt into the broth, creating the stew’s trademark creaminess. Return the browned chicken and any resting juices to the pot.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your stew up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are just tender and the stew has thickened beautifully. The chicken will soak up all the spicy, nutty flavors by this stage.
Step 6: Greens and Seasoning
Uncover the pot and stir in the chopped kale or spinach, letting those greens wilt into the stew (this takes about 2 to 3 minutes). Finish with a few pinches of salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as you go, until every bite sings. Your African Chicken Peanut Stew is ready to serve!
How to Serve African Chicken Peanut Stew
Garnishes
A handful of chopped roasted peanuts and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top bring a welcome crunch and a burst of freshness—they add that extra “wow” factor both visually and in taste. If you love a bit of heat, a few thinly sliced chilies scattered on top also work beautifully.
Side Dishes
African Chicken Peanut Stew is lovely over steamed white rice, allowing the creamy sauce to be fully appreciated. Warm flatbread, like naan or chapati, also makes a great partner, ideal for scooping up every last bit of that savory stew. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or simply enjoy it by the spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, try serving the stew in individual bowls with colorful garnishes sprinkled generously. Or ladle it over a bed of fluffy millet, quinoa, or couscous for a modern fusion feel. Need a fun, shareable idea? Serve it family-style in a big pot at the center of the table, surrounded by bowls of garnishes and sides, letting everyone customize their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is never a guarantee!), let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. African Chicken Peanut Stew keeps well in the fridge for up to four days—its flavors only deepen and improve after a night’s rest.
Freezing
This stew is also freezer-friendly! Portion out cooled stew into zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers, leaving just a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the stew into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If it has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works well too—just cover and stir halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds even more depth and richness to African Chicken Peanut Stew. Simply adjust the cooking time, simmering a bit longer so the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender and easy to shred.
Is there a nut-free version of this stew?
Because peanut butter is central to its signature flavor and creamy texture, an authentic nut-free version is tricky. However, some cooks have used sunflower seed butter as a substitute. The flavor will be a little different, but it’s still deliciously hearty.
How spicy is African Chicken Peanut Stew?
It has a gentle, mellow heat from the cayenne, but it’s easy to adjust. If you prefer things milder, just use less cayenne or omit it altogether. For spice lovers, add extra or toss in fresh chopped chili when garnishing.
Can I make African Chicken Peanut Stew vegetarian?
Definitely—swap the chicken for chickpeas or cubes of firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result will still be rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, with all the cozy vibes of the traditional recipe.
What’s the best way to meal prep this stew?
You can prep all the vegetables and measure out your spices in advance, cutting down active cooking time. Once cooked, African Chicken Peanut Stew tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to broaden your comfort food horizons, African Chicken Peanut Stew is wonderfully rewarding and remarkably easy to master. Give it a go—invite some friends over, gather around the table, and let this stew’s bold, homey flavors warm your heart. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you might just discover a new family favorite!
Print
African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with this hearty and flavorful African Chicken Peanut Stew. A delicious blend of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and kale in a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This stew is a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and cubed)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped roasted peanuts and cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pot, brown chicken, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion until translucent, add garlic and ginger.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne.
- Cook Stew: Add sweet potato, bell pepper, tomatoes, peanut butter, and broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Finish: Stir in kale, season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with peanuts and cilantro.
Notes
- This stew pairs well with steamed rice or warm flatbread.
- You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter if needed, or use bone-in chicken for richer flavor—just increase cook time slightly.
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