African Chicken Peanut Stew is a soul-warming, nutrient-rich dish rooted in West African culinary tradition. It features succulent chicken, tender sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and a deeply flavorful broth enriched with creamy peanut butter and fragrant spices. This comforting one-pot meal is thick, rich, and bursting with bold, earthy flavors—perfect for chilly evenings, hearty family dinners, or when you’re craving something wholesome and deeply satisfying.

Whether you know it as groundnut stew, maafe, or African peanut soup, this dish is beloved across many countries including Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria, each with its unique twist. The version below balances savory, sweet, spicy, and nutty elements for a deliciously cozy result you’ll want to make again and again.

If you enjoy globally inspired comfort food, you’ll also love this Fast and Saucy Beef and Broccoli and Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Stew:

2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
Bone-in chicken delivers superior flavor and stays moist during slow simmering.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
Used for browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics, adding richness to the base.
1 large onion, chopped
Adds natural sweetness and forms the flavor foundation for the stew.
3 garlic cloves, minced
Provides pungency and depth to the base.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Offers brightness and a subtle heat that complements the richness of the peanut butter.
1 teaspoon paprika
Brings mild smokiness and color.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Adds a touch of heat—adjust to your preference.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Contributes a warming, slightly sweet undertone.
1/4 cup tomato paste
Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the stew’s base.
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
Provides acidity and helps build body in the sauce.
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
This is the heart of the dish—it gives body, creaminess, and nutty richness.
4 cups chicken broth
Adds moisture and helps carry all the flavors.
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Their sweetness balances the savory-spicy notes and thickens the stew naturally.
2 cups chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens
Stirred in at the end for a touch of color, texture, and nutrition.

Optional Garnish: Chopped roasted peanuts for crunch, fresh cilantro for brightness, or sliced red chilies for extra spice.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 6

Equipment You’ll Need

A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot – retains and distributes heat evenly.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – ideal for stirring thick sauces.
Sharp knife and cutting board – for prepping vegetables and chicken.
Ladle – for serving the hearty stew with ease.

How to Make African Chicken Peanut Stew: Step-by-Step

1. Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in batches and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Browning adds a deep, savory base to the stew. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden. Stir in the garlic, grated ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.

3. Build the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two to reduce its acidity. Add the diced tomatoes and let them simmer, melding into the aromatics and forming a rich base.

4. Add the Peanut Butter and Broth

Spoon in the peanut butter and stir until it fully melts into the tomato mixture, creating a thick, creamy sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. The stew base should be rich and slightly thick at this stage.

5. Return Chicken and Add Sweet Potatoes

Place the seared chicken back into the pot along with diced sweet potatoes. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, and the sweet potatoes soft enough to mash easily.

6. Stir in the Greens and Finish

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, stir in the chopped greens. Let them cook for another 5–10 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed. For a thicker texture, mash a few sweet potatoes into the stew.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 620mg
Cholesterol: 95mg

Tips and Variations

Boneless Chicken Option: Use boneless thighs or breast to cut down on cook time.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth.
More Heat: Add a diced habanero or Scotch bonnet chili for authentic spiciness.
Peanut-Free Alternative: Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Texture Tip: Mash some of the cooked sweet potatoes into the stew to thicken naturally.
Extra Garnish: Top with lime wedges for brightness or drizzle with chili oil for heat.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store cooled stew in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat:

Warm gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

African Chicken Peanut Stew hits all the right notes—creamy, spicy, savory, and slightly sweet. The peanut butter transforms the stew into something luxurious and deeply satisfying, while the ginger, garlic, and tomato offer layers of warmth and complexity. It’s an excellent example of how humble ingredients can be turned into something extraordinary. This stew is perfect for a crowd, and it gets even better as leftovers the next day.

It’s a dish that’s both comforting and culturally rich, ideal for those wanting to explore West African flavors in an approachable way. Serve it over rice, couscous, or scoop it up with warm flatbread—it’s hearty, wholesome, and undeniably delicious.

Final Thoughts

This African Chicken Peanut Stew has become one of my cold-weather go-tos. It’s full of bold, warming flavors, yet it’s also incredibly nourishing. The balance of sweet potatoes, rich peanut butter, and tender chicken is just perfect, especially with the subtle heat of spices. What I really love is how adaptable it is—great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and easily customized with whatever greens or root veggies I have on hand.

Every time I make it, the aroma fills the house and brings everyone to the kitchen. It’s that kind of dish—comforting, filling, and unforgettable.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken and aromatics on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Definitely. It adds texture to the stew and enhances the nutty flavor.

Is this recipe very spicy?
Not inherently. The cayenne adds mild warmth, but you can easily omit or adjust it.

What can I serve with this stew?
Steamed white or brown rice, couscous, millet, or flatbread like naan or chapati work well.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop more deeply.

For more hearty global flavors, try this Hungarian Chicken Paprikash.

Sofia