Why You’ll Love African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe
This stew is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—succulent chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The combination of spices adds depth without overwhelming heat, making it accessible to various palates. Plus, it’s versatile; you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2–3 pounds chicken legs, thighs, and/or wings
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
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6–8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
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2–3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
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1 (15-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
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1 quart chicken stock
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1 cup peanut butter
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1 cup roasted peanuts
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1 tablespoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
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Brown the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Set aside once browned.
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In the same pot, sauté the sliced onion until translucent.
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Add the minced ginger and chopped garlic; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in ground coriander and cayenne pepper; cook for another minute.
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Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add sweet potatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
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Stir in the peanut butter until fully blended.
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Add roasted peanuts and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.
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Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6–8
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.
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Spicier Stew: Add chopped chili peppers or increase cayenne.
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Leafy Greens: Add spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Nut Alternatives: Substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter.
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Different Proteins: Try beef or lamb for a new flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this stew?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, though bone-in pieces provide more flavor.
Is it necessary to use sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes add sweetness and body, but you can substitute with regular potatoes or yams.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes. After browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor and consistency.
How can I make this stew less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to decrease the heat level.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, provided all the ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this stew?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or okra make great additions.
What can I serve with this stew?
Traditionally served with rice, it also pairs well with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid or mash some of the sweet potatoes to naturally thicken.
Can I prepare this stew ahead of time?
Yes, and the flavors improve over time, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
Conclusion
African Chicken Peanut Stew is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the rich culinary heritage of West Africa to your table. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and aromatic spices creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re exploring new cuisines or seeking a satisfying stew, this recipe is sure to impress and become a favorite in your household.
African Chicken Peanut Stew
Warm up with this rich and comforting African Chicken Peanut Stew — a beloved West African dish made with tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, tomatoes, and warm spices. Packed with flavor and protein, this stew is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Serve over rice or with flatbread for a truly authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Brown the chicken: Add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, and coriander. Cook until chicken is lightly browned.
- Build the stew: Stir in diced tomatoes and peanut butter. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and add diced sweet potato. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Add greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavor, just adjust cooking time.
- Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or butternut squash if preferred.
- Adjust heat level by increasing or reducing cayenne pepper.
- This stew tastes even better the next day!
