African Chicken Peanut Stew

Introduction

African Chicken Peanut Stew is a soul-warming dish renowned for its harmonious blend of tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, and vibrant spices. Its irresistible depth of flavor and velvety texture make it an ideal comfort meal—savory, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe brings the rich culinary traditions of West Africa straight to your table with a one-pot meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

The Distinctiveness of African Chicken Peanut Stew

What sets African Chicken Peanut Stew apart is its distinctive combination of roasted peanuts, tomatoes, and aromatic seasoning. The peanuts lend a natural creaminess and subtle sweetness that balance the gentle heat from ginger and peppers. Each spoonful offers a taste of tradition and a symphony of flavors.

Vegetable Prep for Maximum Flavor

This stew is loaded with hearty vegetables, from bell peppers to sweet potatoes, that soak up the flavors of the sauce. Chopping all the veggies uniformly ensures even cooking and a pleasing texture in every bite. Using a product like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes the prep work swift and tidy, especially when dealing with multiple ingredients.

Building Layers of Flavor

Start by browning chicken pieces to build a rich base. Use a heavy-bottomed pan such as the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet for optimal heat retention and deep caramelization. Sauté aromatics—onions, garlic, and ginger—before layering in tomatoes and spices. Blend tomatoes and peppers for a consistent texture; the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender provides smooth, fast blending.

After returning the chicken and vegetables to the pot, a generous spoonful of peanut butter is whisked in, transforming the broth into its signature creamy, nutty stew.

Simmering and Finishing Touches

Allow the stew to gently simmer, melding all the flavors together. To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, check doneness with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking. The result should be fork-tender chicken and soft, buttery vegetables in a thick, rich sauce.

Finish the stew with a sprinkling of chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for added crunch and brightness before serving.

Serving and Storing the Stew

Serve the stew over fluffy rice or alongside warm flatbread to soak up the luxurious sauce. Portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy meal prep throughout the week—this stew’s flavor deepens even further over time.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe offers 6 hearty servings, each packed with protein, healthy fats, and a bounty of vegetables. Calories per serving hover around 450–500, depending on the cut of chicken and the amount of peanut butter used.

Why Make African Chicken Peanut Stew?

The blend of creamy peanut butter, zesty spices, and nourishing vegetables makes this stew a true crowd-pleaser. Its complex flavors and wholesome ingredients offer comfort and nutrition, offering a taste of West African culinary heritage right at home.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add hot pepper, red bell pepper, and sweet potatoes. Stir well to combine. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for fast, even chopping.
3. Blend diced tomatoes until smooth in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender. Pour into the pan and add chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, peanut butter, and chopped peanuts. Return chicken to the pan, submerging in the liquid. Simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender. Check doneness with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking (internal temp: 165°F).
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove chicken, shred or leave whole, and return to the pot.
6. Spoon the stew into bowls. Garnish with more chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve hot over steamed rice or with flatbread.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes