African Chicken Peanut Stew a hearty and flavorful stew blending tender chicken with creamy peanut butter, tomatoes, and warming spices, inspired by traditional West African cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this African Chicken Peanut Stew because it combines rich, comforting flavors with a creamy texture that’s deeply satisfying. The balance of savory chicken, sweet potatoes, and the nutty richness of peanut butter makes it uniquely delicious. It’s also easy to make as a one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when I want something cozy and wholesome. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, which makes it a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
4 cups chicken broth
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the cubed sweet potato, chopped red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Remove the stew from heat and stir in the peanut butter until it’s fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the stew hot over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time is around 15 minutes, and cooking takes about 40 minutes, so the total time is approximately 55 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes switch up the vegetables by adding kale or spinach for extra greens. Using chicken breast works well too if I want a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, I replace the chicken with chickpeas or sweet potato alone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If I want more heat, I increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce at the end. For extra creaminess, coconut milk is a nice addition instead of some of the broth.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm it gently on the stove to keep the peanut butter from separating. If the stew thickens too much, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. It also freezes well — I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works fine, but it can dry out more easily. I recommend cooking it just until done to keep it tender.
Is peanut butter necessary for this recipe?
The peanut butter is essential for the authentic flavor and creamy texture, but natural or organic peanut butter works best to avoid added sugars or oils.
Can I make this stew spicier?
Absolutely! I usually add extra cayenne pepper or a chopped fresh chili if I want more heat.
What can I serve with this stew?
I like serving it over steamed rice, quinoa, or even couscous to soak up the rich sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and peanut butter.
Conclusion
This African Chicken Peanut Stew is one of my favorite comfort meals — rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s simple to make, nourishes the body, and warms the soul with every spoonful. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, I find it’s a recipe worth keeping in my regular rotation. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love how the creamy peanut butter and spices come together to create something truly special.
📖 Recipe:
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African Chicken Peanut Stew
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful West African-inspired stew combining tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and creamy peanut butter with warming spices for a comforting one-pot meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cubed sweet potato, chopped red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the stew from heat and stir in the peanut butter until it’s fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the stew hot over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
Notes
Use chicken breast for a leaner option, but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Add kale or spinach for extra greens.
Adjust cayenne pepper or add hot sauce for more heat.
Leftovers store well in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently to prevent peanut butter from separating; add water or broth if thickened.
Use natural peanut butter for best flavor without added sugars or oils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
