Flavorful African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, hearty aromas of African chicken peanut stew drift through the kitchen, promising a comforting meal that blends rich West African culinary traditions.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a creamy, nutty sauce that speaks of generations of home cooking.

Spices dance across the palate, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to bustling markets and sunlit courtyards.

Fragrant ginger and robust tomatoes mingle with smooth peanut butter, creating a depth of flavor that feels both exotic and deeply satisfying.

Each spoonful tells a story of cultural connection and culinary passion.

The stew offers a perfect balance of protein, warmth, and soul-soothing comfort.

Grab your ingredients and let’s bring this delicious adventure to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 575 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Chicken Peanut Stew

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender meat that provides rich flavor and hearty texture, perfect for creating a robust stew foundation. Select bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum depth of taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance the natural chicken flavors and create a balanced taste profile.

• Onions, Red Bell Pepper: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, sweet flavor base and add vibrant color to the stew. Choose fresh, firm vegetables with bright, glossy appearance.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy richness and creates a smooth, velvety sauce texture. Select high-quality, pure tomato sauce without added sugars.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and contributes a subtle fruity undertone. Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, savory liquid foundation that amplifies the overall taste complexity. Opt for low-sodium stock to control seasoning.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers creamy thickness and distinctive nutty flavor characteristic of West African cuisine. Choose natural, unsweetened peanut butter for authentic taste.
• Spices: Introduce warm, complex layers of flavor that transform the dish into a memorable culinary experience. Select fresh, high-quality ground spices for maximum impact.

Tools for Stewing Up African Flavors

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning chicken to golden perfection.
• Soup pot: Essential for creating the rich, hearty stew base.
• Cutting board: Needed for prepping vegetables and handling chicken.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning chicken during browning.

Stew Cooking Instructions Made Simple

• Chicken Preparation

Select tender chicken thighs and enhance their flavor with a sprinkle of seasoning. The key is creating a delicious base for the stew.

• First Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a skillet and transform the chicken into a golden-brown masterpiece. This step builds incredible depth of flavor.

• Vegetable Foundation

In a spacious soup pot, dance onions and red bell peppers in olive oil until they become soft and fragrant. Add tomato sauce and warm spices to create a rich, aromatic base.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken stock into the pot, reunite the browned chicken with the vegetable mixture, and let everything simmer gently. Taste and adjust seasoning to make the flavors sing.

• Creamy Finish

Introduce smooth peanut butter, stirring until it melts seamlessly into the stew. Allow the mixture to thicken, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that celebrates West African culinary traditions.

Tips to Enhance the Peanut Flavor

• Swap chicken thighs with drumsticks or add cubed tofu for a vegetarian twist that keeps the rich, nutty flavor profile intact.
• Experiment with different heat levels by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to create a personalized kick that matches your taste preferences.
• Prepare the stew a day in advance to let flavors meld beautifully, storing in an airtight container and reheating gently for an even more developed taste experience.
• Customize the dish by incorporating traditional West African ingredients like okra, plantains, or additional root vegetables to connect deeper with the recipe's cultural roots.
• Top the stew with fresh cilantro, chopped roasted peanuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add texture, freshness, and a delightful visual appeal that elevates the entire dish.

Serving Up African Chicken Stew with Heart

• Pair with Fluffy Rice: Ladle the rich, creamy stew over steamed white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious flavors and create a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep, nutty stew and enhance its visual appeal.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty bread or cornbread on the side to help diners mop up every last bit of the flavorful peanut sauce and add a delightful textural element.
• Add Crunchy Toppings: Scatter roasted peanuts or toasted sesame seeds over the stew to introduce a delightful crunch and complement the creamy, rich base of the dish.

Saving & Reheating Like a Pro

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover African Chicken Peanut Stew in an airtight container and keep it chilled for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the flavors continue to develop and meld together.
• Freeze with Ease: Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for a maximum of 2-3 months to enjoy a quick, delicious meal later.
• Reheat Carefully: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain the creamy texture.
• Portion and Plan: Divide the stew into individual serving sizes before storing, making it simple to grab a quick lunch or dinner without defrosting the entire batch.

Hearty African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty west african chicken peanut stew blends rich, nutty flavors with tender chicken and aromatic spices. Warm, comforting ingredients come together in a single pot, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this soulful culinary journey.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 0.5 onion, chopped
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken stock or water
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup (128 g) peanut butter
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp bouillon powder

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cleanse chicken thighs, pat dry, and season comprehensively with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs until golden and crisp on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside browned chicken.
3. Aromatics: In a soup pot, sauté finely chopped onions and red bell peppers in olive oil until translucent and softened. Introduce tomato sauce and spices, simmering briefly to concentrate flavors.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into the pot, carefully returning browned chicken thighs to the liquid. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
5. Peanut Incorporation: Gradually whisk smooth peanut butter into the simmering stew, stirring continuously until sauce reaches a creamy, luxurious consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
6. Resting: Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes to enhance thickness and flavor profile before serving.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tender meat that holds up well during slow cooking.
• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust spice levels by carefully modifying the amount of ground spices or adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Peanut Butter Blending: Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to prevent excessive sweetness and maintain authentic African flavor profile.
• Consistent Simmering: Maintain a gentle, low simmer to prevent sauce separation and ensure smooth, creamy texture throughout the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: West African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg