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!
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes. Taste for salt and add some if you need to.
- Finally, add the peanut butter to the pot and stir until it is well-mixed. Simmer till the stew becomes thick.
Recipe Video
Click on the image below to watch me make this recipe from start to finish on YouTube!
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.
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
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.
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
Fumbwa (Congolese Spinach Stew)
Need more African dinners? Next time, try these!
African Cabbage Stew with Ground Beef
Sukuma Wiki (Kenyan Collard Greens)
📖 Recipe
African Chicken Peanut Stew
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
- 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!
I love it! Used up some chicken and had white rice with the stew. Thanks for the recipe!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the peanut stew, Tineke!
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!
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!