African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe
	
	
		This African Chicken Peanut Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy peanut butter sauce, infused with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Served over rice or couscous, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Cara
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 1 hour
 
							- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
 
							- Yield: 6 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Stew
 
							- Method: Stovetop
 
							- Cuisine: African
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			For the Stew:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
 
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
 
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
 
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
 
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
 
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
 
- 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
 
- 4 cups chicken broth
 
- 2 bay leaves
 
- 1 teaspoon paprika
 
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
 
- Salt and black pepper to taste
 
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
 
For Serving:
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
 
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma.
 
- Add Peppers and Tomatoes: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and canned diced tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the peppers soften slightly, blending flavors.
 
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter to the pot and mix well with the vegetables. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together.
 
- Return the Chicken: Place the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, mixing them thoroughly with the peanut butter mixture.
 
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to combine all ingredients evenly.
 
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the stew to simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
 
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
 
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves and serve the African Chicken Peanut Stew hot over cooked rice or couscous for a complete meal.
 
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to add a vibrant green contrast and fresh flavor before serving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for richer flavor and tenderness.
 
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the stew.
 
- Peanut butter should be unsweetened and smooth for the best texture.
 
- Simmer gently to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
 
- Serve with rice or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
 
		 
	 
	
		Keywords: African chicken peanut stew, peanut butter stew, chicken stew recipe, African cuisine, hearty chicken stew