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african chicken peanut stew
Sofia

African Chicken Peanut Stew

A rich and hearty West African–inspired stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a velvety peanut-tomato sauce with sweet potatoes, spices, and a hint of heat. Bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or peanut
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced
  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter creamy or chunky
  • 2½ cups chicken broth plus more if needed
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • Juice of ½ lime optional, for brightness
  • Chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Sear the Chicken:
  2. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics:
  4. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in cumin, paprika, and cayenne; cook 30 seconds more.
  5. Build the Stew:
  6. Add diced sweet potatoes, tomatoes (with juices), peanut butter, and chicken broth. Stir well to dissolve the peanut butter.
  7. Simmer:
  8. Return chicken to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
  9. Add Greens:
  10. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook another 5 minutes until wilted. Add lime juice if using.
  11. Serve:
  12. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve with rice, couscous, or flatbread.

Notes

  • Spice level: Adjust cayenne to taste. You can omit for a milder stew.
  • Nut-free option: Substitute sunflower seed butter if peanut-free is needed.
  • Thicker stew: Simmer uncovered at the end to reduce and thicken.
  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Freezes beautifully.