This African Chicken Peanut Stew is pure comfort in a bowl: rich, nutty, deeply savory, and positively loaded with flavor. Tender chicken, sweet onions, earthy mushrooms, and creamy peanut butter come together for a stew that’s as hearty as it is bright—no wonder this West African-inspired classic is beloved far and wide!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soul-Warming Comfort: Every spoonful of this African Chicken Peanut Stew is like a cozy hug, thanks to the creamy peanut butter and savory chicken thighs.
- One-Pot Wonder: All the delicious flavors come together in a single pot—perfect for busy weeknights and easy cleanup!
- Customizable Goodness: It’s so easy to tweak the veggies or spices to suit your cravings or whatever you have on hand.
- Big on Flavor, Not on Fuss: With simple pantry ingredients, you get layers of deep, nutty, bright, and savory flavor—without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of African Chicken Peanut Stew comes from humble, everyday ingredients working magical flavor together. Each star ingredient brings something special—juiciness, heat, sweetness, earthiness, or that famous creamy richness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is worth celebrating.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay irresistibly tender and succulent, soaking up every ounce of the stew’s flavor.
- Garlic & ginger: These classic flavor-builders deliver warmth and a gentle bite; fresh is best, but paste works in a pinch.
- Salt & white pepper: White pepper keeps the flavor balanced without overpowering spice—don’t skip it for true depth.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and building those delicious caramelized flavors right from the start.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and body, melting right into the stew base for extra savoriness.
- Tomato paste: Just a spoonful delivers tangy richness and that signature reddish hue.
- Water & stock cubes: Add liquid and a punch of umami—Maggi cubes are traditional and so flavorful.
- Natural peanut butter: Go for unsweetened, creamy peanut butter for silkiness and bold, nutty taste—avoid ones with added sugar.
- Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed, they bring an earthy note and meaty bite that’s so satisfying.
- Spinach: Frozen works perfectly—just thaw and squeeze dry; this pops bright color and bonus nutrition into your stew.
Variations
There’s tons of room for creativity with African Chicken Peanut Stew! Feel free to swap in favorite veggies, spice levels, or protein tweaks—it’s a recipe that naturally adapts to your pantry and your preferences.
- Turn up the heat: Add red pepper flakes or a diced scotch bonnet for a little fiery kick—traditional in many West African kitchens!
- Try different greens: Swap spinach for chopped kale or collard greens if that’s what you have at home (just cook a touch longer).
- Use chicken breast: Prefer leaner meat? Substitute thighs with chicken breast, but be mindful not to overcook—just simmer until tender.
- Make it vegetarian: Ditch the chicken and use chickpeas or seared tofu for a hearty, plant-powered version, keeping all the stew’s gorgeous flavor.
How to Make African Chicken Peanut Stew
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with a blend of salt, white pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good toss so every piece is coated—this quick marinade infuses the chicken with big, bold flavor right from the beginning.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your favorite heavy pot and add the sliced mushrooms. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a little white pepper. Let them sizzle and get that golden color on each side—this brings out all their savory, umami goodness! Once browned, set aside for later.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the rest of your olive oil to the pot and slide in the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed, about 5 minutes per side, so the meat gets a lovely golden crust. This step builds a rich foundation for the stew’s flavor. When browned, transfer the chicken to a plate (it’ll go back in soon).
Step 4: Sauté Onions, Garlic & Ginger
Add those chopped onions to the same pot (there’s flavor gold left in there!) and cook until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in the remaining garlic and ginger, letting everything cook for a minute to really bloom the aromatics. Then add tomato paste and stir for a minute, unlocking its rich, tangy edge.
Step 5: Build the Broth
Add a couple cups of water and crumble in those trusty Maggi stock cubes with a touch more salt. Stir well and bring up to a gentle simmer—your kitchen will already be smelling amazing!
Step 6: Stir in Peanut Butter
Spoon in the creamy peanut butter and stir until it melts into a silky, slightly thickened sauce. Add the remaining cup of water and make sure it’s all beautifully blended. This is where the signature lusciousness of African Chicken Peanut Stew happens!
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Stew
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Gently simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning, and if you prefer a thinner stew, feel free to splash in more water—it will thicken as it cools.
Step 8: Add Back Mushrooms and Spinach
Finally, stir the sautéed mushrooms back in, along with the thawed, squeezed-dry spinach. Let it all simmer for just a minute to warm through, then turn off the heat. That’s it—your African Chicken Peanut Stew is ready to serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making African Chicken Peanut Stew
- The Peanut Butter Trick: For a silky smooth stew, whisk your peanut butter with some hot broth in a separate bowl before adding it back to the pot—this helps prevent clumps.
- Searing Equals Flavor: Take the time to deeply brown your chicken and mushrooms—this caramelization adds irresistible depth to the finished dish.
- Spinach Savvy: Be sure to squeeze all excess water from your thawed spinach, so it keeps the stew creamy instead of watery.
- Taste and Tweak: African Chicken Peanut Stew is on your side—taste before serving and feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or even a dash more tomato paste for tang if you like!
How to Serve African Chicken Peanut Stew
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, flat-leaf parsley, or even crushed peanuts on top is absolutely dreamy! A squeeze of fresh lime adds brightness and balance, making the creamy stew sing. I love a little extra chopped chili or green onion for color and a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This stew really shines over a bowl of fluffy rice—jasmine, basmati, or traditional African fufu if you’re feeling adventurous. Warm crusty bread or naan for dipping is incredible; you can also try it with millet, quinoa, or even simple steamed veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve African Chicken Peanut Stew family-style in a big pot with little bowls of toppings so everyone can make it their own! Or try ladling it into wide, shallow bowls for a modern bistro look and sprinkle with toasted peanuts and microgreens for a dinner-party wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover stew cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge. African Chicken Peanut Stew tastes even better the next day, as all those cozy flavors meld together—perfect for meal prep and leftovers lovers!
Freezing
This stew freezes like a dream! Divide into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for another taste of comfort.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened too much. The microwave works as well—just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter for African Chicken Peanut Stew?
You can! Crunchy peanut butter will give little bits of nutty texture throughout the stew. If you prefer the classic silky result, stick to smooth peanut butter, but both versions are delicious.
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Is this stew spicy? How can I make it spicier?
The basic recipe is mild, letting the savoriness shine, but you can easily add heat. Toss in some red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a diced fresh chili either when sautéing the onions or as a garnish for a spicier kick.
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What’s the best way to make African Chicken Peanut Stew ahead for a party?
Prepare the stew up to a day in advance, cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, stirring to revive its creamy consistency. Wait to add fresh garnishes until just before serving for maximum appeal!
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Can I make African Chicken Peanut Stew without mushrooms or spinach?
Absolutely! While mushrooms and spinach add depth and color, you can skip them or swap in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. The stew will still be hearty and flavorful—make it your own!
Final Thoughts
This African Chicken Peanut Stew is one of those recipes that brings joy with every bite—it’s nourishing, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to warm your kitchen and your heart. I can’t wait for you to taste just how wonderful homemade comfort food can be—give it a try and let the celebration begin!
Print
African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This African Chicken Peanut Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, and aromatic spices for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 inch ginger root, peeled and grated or 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Stew:
- 1 cup diced onion from about 1 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups water, divided
- 2 stock cubes (Maggi) About 4g per cube
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4–1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed and squeezed to remove excess water
Instructions
- Season chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of ginger to the chicken. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground white pepper. Toss to combine. Set chicken aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Pour 1 tablespoon of oil into a pot, preferably a cast iron pot on high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove mushrooms from pan.
- Cook Chicken: Add the remaining one tablespoon of oil into the same pan. Add the chicken and cook for about 9-10 minutes. Remove chicken from pot.
- Sauté Onions: Add the onions to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add remaining garlic, ginger, and tomato paste. Stir for another minute.
- Add Water and Stock Cubes: Pour in 2 cups of water, add stock cubes and salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir in the peanut butter until well combined. Add the remaining cup of water and stir.
- Add Back Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot and simmer for about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add Veggies: Add mushrooms and spinach. Simmer for 1 minute then turn off heat.
Notes
- For spiciness, add red pepper flakes to the stew.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
