Description
This African Chicken Peanut Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a rich peanut butter-infused broth, seasoned with warm spices and served over rice or quinoa. It’s a comforting one-pot meal inspired by West African cuisine, perfect for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving & Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, which builds a flavorful foundation for the stew.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the stew’s depth of flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step seals in the juices and develops a rich taste.
- Incorporate vegetables and spices: Add the cubed sweet potato, chopped red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the stew: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to cook gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Finish with peanut butter: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the natural peanut butter until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to balance flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the stew hot over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color on the plate.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder version.
- Using chicken thighs adds more flavor and tenderness compared to breast meat.
- For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes or mash a few sweet potato cubes in the pot.
- Natural peanut butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture; avoid highly processed or sweetened varieties.
- This stew keeps well and flavors deepen overnight, making it great for meal prep.
