African Chicken Peanut Stew
This African Chicken Peanut Stew is one of my favorite comfort meals — rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s simple to make, nourishes the body, and warms the soul with every spoonful.
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
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cubed sweet potato, chopped red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the stew from heat and stir in the peanut butter until it’s fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the stew hot over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Use chicken breast for a leaner option, but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Add kale or spinach for extra greens.
- Adjust cayenne pepper or add hot sauce for more heat.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently to prevent peanut butter from separating; add water or broth if thickened.
- Use natural peanut butter for best flavor without added sugars or oils.