African Chicken Peanut Stew

The rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen as this stew simmers is nothing short of intoxicating. You can almost taste the layers of flavor building as the chicken gently cooks in a vibrant mix of spices, peanut butter, and tomatoes. The peanuts bring a comforting creaminess to the dish, which balances the slight tang of the tomatoes and the warmth of the spices. As it all melds together, the stew thickens into a luscious, velvety texture that clings to each tender piece of chicken.

There’s something magical about the way the earthy peanut flavor harmonizes with the other ingredients. It’s a reminder that food is so much more than just sustenance—it’s a way to connect with different cultures and share in their history and traditions. I love how this stew can easily become a centerpiece of a meal, yet it feels so comforting, almost like a hug in a bowl. When you scoop up a spoonful, the combination of the rich broth and hearty chicken feels like the kind of meal that you’d want to share with friends and family around the table.

The best part? This dish is one that actually gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to develop even further. So if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and believe me, you will), you can look forward to even more depth and richness the next day. If you ask me, that’s the sign of a truly great stew.

Key Ingredients in African Chicken Peanut Stew

Now that you’re familiar with the cozy, comforting vibe this stew brings, let’s break down the key ingredients that come together to create this flavorful dish. Each one plays a vital role in layering flavors, textures, and nutrients, resulting in a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

• Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs: The chicken thighs are the heart of this stew. Their rich, tender meat holds up well to the simmering process, soaking in all the spices and adding depth to the broth. Bone-in thighs also give the stew extra flavor, as the bones release their essence into the liquid.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices, olive oil is the perfect base for building the aromatic foundation of the stew. It also adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Large onion, chopped: The onion brings sweetness and depth to the stew, caramelizing slightly as it cooks. It forms the savory base that enhances the overall flavor profile when combined with the garlic and spices.
• Garlic, minced: You can’t have a hearty stew without garlic! It adds a fragrant, pungent note that enhances the savory flavors and gives the stew a comforting aroma.
• Ginger, grated: Fresh ginger adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick that complements the warmth of the other spices, brightening the stew and balancing the richness of the peanut butter.
• Ground coriander: With its citrusy, slightly sweet flavor, coriander deepens the stew’s complexity, adding a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
• Ground cumin: Cumin brings a toasty, nutty flavor that adds depth and warmth to the stew. Its earthy profile rounds out the dish and gives it an unmistakable comfort-food feel.
• Paprika: The smoky, mild heat of paprika enhances the dish without overwhelming it. It gives the stew a vibrant color and adds a smoky undertone that lingers in the background.
• Ground turmeric: Known for its bright yellow color and earthy, slightly bitter flavor, turmeric balances the richness of the peanut butter while offering a subtle warmth and depth.
• Cayenne pepper: For a touch of heat, cayenne pepper kicks things up without dominating the flavor. A little goes a long way in providing a pleasant warmth that builds slowly as you enjoy each bite.
• Diced tomatoes: The tomatoes bring acidity and juiciness, helping to cut through the richness of the peanut butter and creating a luscious broth that binds the whole dish together.
• Peanut butter: The star of this dish, peanut butter adds creaminess and a nutty, savory richness that defines the stew. It’s the key to achieving that comforting, velvety texture and depth of flavor.
• Chicken broth: The broth acts as the liquid base of the stew, adding richness and allowing all the flavors to meld together. It helps create the perfect consistency and pulls all the ingredients into harmony.
• Sweet potato, peeled and cubed: Sweet potato contributes a touch of natural sweetness and provides a hearty texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. It also thickens the stew slightly as it cooks.
• Frozen peas: These peas add a burst of color and a slight sweetness, balancing out the savory elements of the stew while providing an additional layer of texture.
• Chopped spinach: Spinach offers a vibrant green color and a mild, slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the peanut butter, while also adding a healthy dose of vitamins.
• Cilantro, chopped: Cilantro brightens up the stew with its fresh, citrusy flavor. It’s a welcome contrast to the warm spices and adds a final pop of freshness.
• Salt to taste: Salt is essential for bringing all the flavors together, making each ingredient shine and allowing the spices to really stand out.
• Black pepper to taste: Black pepper adds a mild heat and enhances the overall seasoning of the stew, balancing the richness of the peanut butter and the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice adds acidity and brightness, helping to cut through the richness and balance the flavors for a fresh finish.

How to Make African Chicken Peanut Stew

Serving Suggestions for African Chicken Peanut Stew

1. With Steamy Rice or Quinoa: This stew is a match made in heaven with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa. The grains soak up that luscious, creamy broth, making every bite a delightful experience. You can even add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top for an extra crunch and a visual pop!

2. Accompanied by Warm Flatbreads: Don’t underestimate the power of warm flatbreads! Serve the stew alongside some homemade or store-bought flatbreads, like naan or pita, perfect for scooping up that rich goodness. There’s something so comforting about tearing off a piece of bread and dipping it into the stew, creating a truly interactive and satisfying meal.

3. With a Fresh Salad on the Side: To balance the hearty richness of the stew, whip up a refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. The crispness and brightness of the salad will complement the warm, savory flavors beautifully, making each bite a delightful contrast. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll not only enhance the experience of enjoying this stew but also create a well-rounded meal that will have your friends and family asking for seconds!

How to Store African Chicken Peanut Stew

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which, trust me, will happen!), storing this African Chicken Peanut Stew properly is key to maintaining its delicious flavors and creamy texture. The great thing about this stew is that it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. To ensure it stays fresh, let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This helps preserve the vibrant flavors and prevent any condensation from watering it down.

For short-term storage, you can keep the stew in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much. It’ll still be just as comforting and flavorful, with the peanut butter and spices holding up beautifully.

If you want to store it for a longer period, this stew freezes wonderfully! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to leave a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then reheat on the stove, stirring until it’s piping hot. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a future family gathering, this stew can easily be brought back to life with minimal effort, and it’ll taste as fresh as the day you made it.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it—your very own guide to making the most comforting, flavorful African Chicken Peanut Stew! From the tender chicken thighs to the rich peanut butter broth and the burst of spices, this stew is everything you need for a cozy meal that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or simply enjoying it yourself. The best part? It’s even better the next day, making those leftovers a true treat!

I hope you’re feeling inspired to give this recipe a try. If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Do you have any tweaks or tips of your own? Or maybe just a story to share about how you enjoyed this dish? Feel free to drop your thoughts or questions below—I’m always happy to chat about food and cooking. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the comforting aromas of this delightful stew!

Print Recipe

African Chicken Peanut Stew

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 600

Description

This African Chicken Peanut Stew is a rich, savory dish brimming with tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, and vibrant spices. A perfect balance of heat and sweetness, it's a comforting, flavorful bowl that will transport your taste buds to new heights!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• ¹⁄₂ cup peanut butter

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• ¹⁄₂ cup frozen peas

• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped spinach

• ¹⁄₄ cup cilantro, chopped

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the pot and season them with salt and black pepper.
3. Sear the chicken thighs for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are browned and crispy.
4. Once browned, remove the chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
5. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
6. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
7. Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
8. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to become fragrant and well-incorporated into the onion and garlic mixture.
9. Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, including their juices, and stir everything together.
10. Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the mixture.
11. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and tomato mixture, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
12. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
13. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
14. Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly.
15. Add the cubed sweet potato to the pot and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the sweet potato is fork-tender.
16. While the sweet potato is cooking, shred the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones.
17. Once the sweet potato is cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.
18. Add the peanut butter to the pot and stir it in until fully combined and creamy.
19. Stir in the frozen peas and chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the peas are heated through.
20. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.
21. Finish by stirring in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice to add brightness and freshness to the stew.
22. Serve the African Chicken Peanut Stew hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Note

• For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spices for 30 minutes before searing them.
• If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• To make the stew creamier, you can add more peanut butter, adjusting the consistency to your liking.
• For added texture, feel free to substitute the sweet potato with butternut squash or pumpkin.
• This stew pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or flatbread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Keywords: African chicken peanut stew recipe, African peanut stew with chicken, chicken peanut stew recipe, hearty African chicken stew, peanut chicken stew African cuisine