African Chicken Peanut Stew

This hearty African Chicken Peanut Stew has become my go-to comfort dish when I crave something rich, warming, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken and creamy peanut butter creates a luxurious texture while the gentle heat from cayenne offers the perfect warming balance.

I first made this stew during a particularly cold winter evening when I wanted something different from our usual rotation. The unique combination of peanut butter and savory spices immediately transported our dinner table to somewhere warm and vibrant. My family now requests it at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: Fresh bone-in thighs provide the best flavor but boneless work perfectly too
• Peanut butter: The star ingredient that provides creaminess and depth unlike anything else
• Tomato sauce: Adds acidity to balance the richness of the peanut butter
• Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and beautiful color to the final dish
• Olive oil: Used for both browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics
• Onion: Forms the essential flavor base that builds complexity
• Cayenne pepper: Provides gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference
• Bouillon powder: Intensifies the savory notes throughout the stew
• Chicken stock: Creates the foundation for a rich and flavorful base
• Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity
• Salt: Brings all flavors into balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Thoroughly wash chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning later. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper, making sure to coat each piece evenly for consistent flavor.

Brown the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Flip and brown the second side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Create the Flavor Base:

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking them gently for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly golden. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.

Build the Sauce:

Add tomato sauce, cayenne pepper, and bouillon powder to the softened vegetables. Simmer this mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify in flavor. The mixture will slightly thicken and become more fragrant during this stage.

Combine Components:

Pour chicken stock into the pot and stir well to incorporate all ingredients. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

Finish with Peanut Butter:

Add peanut butter to the simmering stew, stirring carefully to incorporate it completely without breaking apart the chicken pieces. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the stew thickens to a luxurious consistency. The peanut butter should be fully melted and integrated into the sauce.

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The peanut butter is what truly makes this dish special. I discovered on my third time making it that allowing the peanut butter to cook fully into the stew for at least 5 minutes creates a much more harmonious flavor profile than rushing this final step. My grandmother always said patience is the secret ingredient in good cooking, and this recipe proves her right.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile stew pairs beautifully with multiple accompaniments. Traditional African preparations often serve it with fufu, a starchy dough made from cassava or plantains. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice makes an excellent bed for soaking up the rich sauce. The slightly sweet notes in the stew also complement bitter greens like collards or kale served alongside.

Regional Variations

This stew has roots across several African countries, each with their own distinct approach. In Ghana, this dish is known as "groundnut stew" and often includes additional vegetables like okra or sweet potatoes. West African versions might incorporate more heat through scotch bonnet peppers, while East African preparations could include coconut milk for added richness.

Storage and Freezing

This stew keeps exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop and improve, making day-two stew sometimes even more delicious than the first serving. For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

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This recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity and bold flavors—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy cooking it as much as your family loves eating it!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs with other meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken thighs with beef or fish for equally delicious results. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your choice of protein. Beef might require longer cooking for tenderness, while fish will cook more quickly.

→ How spicy is this African Chicken Peanut Stew?

The stew has a moderate heat level from the cayenne pepper. For milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne. If you prefer it spicier, add some habanero or chili pepper as suggested in the recipe notes.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, or firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You'll still get a delicious, protein-rich stew with all the authentic flavors.

→ What side dishes pair well with this stew?

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with rice (white or brown), couscous, or fufu. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or simply enjoy it on its own as a complete meal.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making this stew excellent for meal prep. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I freeze this African Chicken Peanut Stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.