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    Home » African Recipes

    May 14, 2024

    African Chicken Peanut Stew

    Published on May 14, 2024. Updated on May 14, 2024. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. 39 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    African Chicken Peanut Stew-pinterest

    African chicken peanut stew is a delicious and versatile traditional dish enjoyed by many Africans all over the world. This hearty stew is made from simple ingredients cooked together to entice your senses and please your belly!

    African Chicken Peanut Stew in a skillet

    This delicacy is a recipe that I often cook in my home, and it is always a hit with my family. Cooking this flavorful stew is so hassle-free that it is guaranteed to be on rotation in your home.

    Not only is this West African peanut stew delicious, but it is very nutritious, too! This protein-rich stew is the perfect comfort food that is rich, creamy, and a good source of vitamins and healthy fats.

    What is peanut stew?

    Peanut stew is a delicious, hearty stew popular in West Africa. Made from peanut butter, tomatoes, peppers, broth, and spices, it is a creamy and flavorful delight that is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

    This hearty African food was one of my favorite stews growing up in Nigeria. The only thing I didn't enjoy was that preparing it was so time-consuming. You would have to roast fresh peanuts and then manually grind them into a paste. These days, however, you can just use plain and natural peanut butter without additives. This way, you save time making the recipe.

    In Nigeria, peanuts are sometimes called groundnut, so this stew is sometimes referred to as groundnut stew.

    Ingredients Used

    raw chicken, red bell peppers, olive oil, spices

    These are the pantry staples you need for this hearty comfort food.

    • Chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks: I like to mix thighs and drumsticks in my stew. You can even use chicken wings or chicken breast if you prefer.
    • Tomato sauce: You can substitute with tomato paste. You can also just blend fresh tomatoes in a food processor.
    • Vegetables: Red bell peppers and onion.
    • Peanut butter: For best results, I use plain, natural peanut butter.
    • Olive oil: You can use your preferred oil here instead.
    • Spices: Cayenne pepper, bouillon powder (or maggi cubes), black pepper, and salt to taste.
    • Chicken stock: You can also use vegetable stock or just water.

    How to make this African peanut stew recipe

    1. Wash the chicken under running water, then pat dry with paper towels. Mix salt and pepper in a small bowl, then rub it on both sides of each chicken part.
    2. Pour some olive oil into a large skillet and brown the chicken pieces on both sides on medium-high heat. This splatter guard always saves the day and prevents splashes and oil burns. When sufficiently browned, remove the chicken thighs from the oil and set them aside.
    3. Pour a bit of olive oil into a large soup pot. When heated, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Sauté for a few minutes on medium heat. Then, add the tomato sauce and spices (except the salt), simmer for a few minutes, and pour in the chicken broth.
    4. Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes. Taste for salt and add some if you need to.
    5. Finally, add the peanut butter to the pot and stir until it is well-mixed. Simmer till the stew becomes thick.
    how to make african peanut stew

    Recipe Video

    Click on the image below to watch me make this recipe from start to finish on YouTube!

    african chicken peanut stew youtube video link

    Storing and Reheating

    Leftover chicken stew should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. It will remain fresh for about five days, but you should use it up within this time.

    You can also freeze this delicious stew to preserve it longer. Put it in an airtight freezer-safe container first. It will remain fresh for up to three months this way.

    Take the creamy peanut butter stew out of the freezer and put it in the fridge overnight to defrost if frozen. To reheat, microwave or warm in a skillet on the stovetop until it is hot.

    What can I eat this recipe with?

    Typically, African peanut stew is paired with either fufu or white rice. I enjoy my West African peanut soup with low-carb fufu or cauliflower rice for a healthy, low-carb alternative.

    African Chicken Peanut Stew closeup

    Tips and variations

    • If you're using stock, make sure to taste for salt before adding any. Stock usually already contains some salt.
    • If you like spicy stew, add chili pepper or habanero pepper.
    • If you use water instead of stock for this recipe, adjust the spices if you need to.
    • You can swap the chicken for beef or fish if you prefer. It's equally delicious!

    Frequently asked questions

    Why is it called African peanut stew?

    This stew is called African peanut stew because the stew is native to the West Africa region. These countries have different versions of African peanut stew, but they have the same ingredients in common - peanut butter, oil, tomatoes, meat or chicken, and spices.

    How many calories are in a bowl of peanut soup?

    A serving of this delectable peanut soup contains about 7 net carbs and 504 calories. It is protein-rich and contains healthy fats.

    Check out these savory peanut butter recipes

    Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew)

    Fumbwa (Congolese Spinach Stew)

    Moambe Chicken

    African Peanut Stew served with cauliflower rice

    Need more African dinners? Next time, try these!

    African Cabbage Stew with Ground Beef

    Liver and Onions

    Mixed Meat Stew

    Chicken Hearts with Mushrooms

    Pan-Seared Tilapia

    Sukuma Wiki (Kenyan Collard Greens)

    📖 Recipe

    African Chicken Peanut Stew in a skillet

    African Chicken Peanut Stew

    African chicken peanut stew is a delicious and versatile traditional dish enjoyed by many Africans all over the world. This hearty stew is made from simple ingredients cooked together to entice your senses and please your belly!
    5 from 32 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: African
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 504kcal
    Author: Tayo Oredola
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 lb chicken thighs
    • ½ cup tomato sauce
    • 1 red bell pepper chopped
    • ½ cup peanut butter
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • ½ onion chopped
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon bouillon powder
    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

    Instructions

    • Wash and pat dry the chicken.
      1.5 lb chicken thighs
    • Mix some salt and pepper in a small bowl, then rub it on both sides of each chicken part.
      1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
    • Pour some olive oil into a large skillet and then brown the chicken pieces on both sides on medium-high heat.
    • When sufficiently browned, remove the chicken thighs from the oil and set them aside.
    • Pour ¼ cup olive oil in a large soup pot and when heated, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Sauté for a few minutes on medium heat.
      1 red bell pepper, ¼ cup olive oil, ½ onion
    • Next, add the tomato sauce and spices (except the salt), simmer for a few minutes and pour in the chicken broth.
      ½ cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon bouillon powder, 2 cups chicken stock
    • Add the chicken pieces, give it a stir and simmer for about 10 minutes.
    • Taste for salt and add some if you need.
    • Finally, add the peanut butter into the pot and stir till it is well mixed in. 
      ½ cup peanut butter
    • Cook till the stew becomes thick.
    • Your African chicken peanut stew is ready to be enjoyed!

    Notes

    This recipe serves 6 and contains 7 net carbs per serving.
    • If you're using stock, make sure to taste for salt before adding any. Stock usually already contains some salt.
    • Add a teaspoon of ground coriander or chopped cilantro, chopped garlic cloves, fresh ginger, and a teaspoon of ground cumin for a tasty variation.
    • If you like spicy stew, add chili pepper or habanero pepper.
    • If you use water instead of stock for this recipe, adjust the spices if you need to.
    • You can swap the chicken for beef or fish if you prefer. It's equally delicious!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 496mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 714IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
    Follow Me On Youtube Watch me make my recipes from scratch!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tineke Schilperoort says

      January 05, 2025 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      I love it! Used up some chicken and had white rice with the stew. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Tayo Oredola says

        January 22, 2025 at 8:39 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed the peanut stew, Tineke!

        Reply
    2. Diana says

      November 20, 2024 at 12:49 am

      5 stars
      Made this with eggplant and kale. Very good and super easy with accessible ingredients.. This is the second recipe I’ve tried of yours and I guess I’ll have to keep making more! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Tayo Oredola says

        November 26, 2024 at 8:50 pm

        Hi Diana, Love the twist with eggplant and kale! So glad you're enjoying the recipes and I can't wait to hear what you try next!

        Reply
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    5 from 32 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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    tayo oredola

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