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African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe

4.2 from 52 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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:

  • Cooked rice or couscous

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Return the Chicken: Place the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, mixing them thoroughly with the peanut butter mixture.
  6. Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. 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.
  8. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
  9. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and serve the African Chicken Peanut Stew hot over cooked rice or couscous for a complete meal.
  10. 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