Soups & Stews > Hearty Stews > Chicken Stews > African Peanut Chicken Stew Recipe

African Peanut Chicken Stew

A flavorful and hearty stew featuring chicken simmered in a rich peanut butter-based sauce with vegetables and spices. This African Peanut Chicken Stew is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a chilly evening. Nut-free alternative included!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Thighs
  • 1 medium, chopped Onion
  • 4 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon, grated Ginger
  • 1 28 oz can Diced Tomatoes
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup (creamy or crunchy) Peanut Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 medium, peeled and cubed Sweet Potatoes
  • 5 oz, fresh or frozen Spinach
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon Lime juice
  • 2 tablespoon Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Sauté Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Brown the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.

Add Liquids and Spices

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the peanut butter, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Simmer the Stew

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Add Vegetables

Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Incorporate Spinach

Stir in the spinach (fresh or frozen) and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Final Touches and Serve

Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

Nut-Free Alternative

For a nut-free alternative, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) or tahini (sesame seed paste). The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and satisfying. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper, richer flavor.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal, Protein: 10-15g, Fat: 8-12g, Carbohydrates: 10-15g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This stew is a good source of protein and vitamins. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. For a lower-fat version, use skinless chicken thighs and reduce the amount of peanut butter, or use a peanut butter powder.

← African Peanut Stew (Vegetarian) →

FAQ

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become dry. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the stew after the sweet potatoes.
  • Can I freeze this stew?

    Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • What other vegetables can I add?

    You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, okra, or carrots to the stew. Add them along with the sweet potatoes for best results.
  • Can I make this in a slow cooker?

    Yes, you can. Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics as described in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.