African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe | Kitchenstagram
Chicken Groundnut Stew, a beloved dish across West Africa, is a comforting blend of chicken and peanuts that creates a magical harmony of flavours. This hearty stew often referred to as peanut stew, is a staple of African cuisine, and its rich, creamy taste is irresistible.
In this Ghanaian-inspired version, chickens are simmered in a velvety peanut butter sauce infused with ginger, garlic and a hint of pepper for a delightful kick. The stew’s creamy texture comes naturally from the peanut butter – no additional thickener is needed. It’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free dish, making it accessible to a variety of dietary needs.
Not only is peanut stew incredibly delicious, but it’s also highly nutritious. Packed with protein, vitamins and healthy fats, this dish is as nourishing as it is satisfying. The combination of wholesome ingredients make it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Its creamy, flavourful profile, enriched with tomatoes, peppers and spices, makes it a family favourite that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this West African classic is sure to warm hearts and stomach alike.
What is African Peanut Stew?
African Peanut Stew is named for its origins in West Africa, where it is a beloved dish. Variations exist across the region, but key ingredients- peanut butter, oil, tomatoes, meat or chicken and spices- remain consistent. This flavourful stew reflects the rich culinary traditions and use of peanuts, a staple in West African cuisine.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
You’ll absolutely adore this West African Peanut Soup! Here’s why:
Hearty and comforting: Perfect for chilly or rainy days, this soup warms you from the inside out.
Bursting with garlic Flavour: The savory garlic adds depth and indulgence to every bite.
Luxuriously Creamy: Natural peanut butter creates an irresistibly creamy texture, making the soup rich and satisfying.
Incredibly flavourful: The authentic blend of spices and ingredients, elevates he taste to whole new level.
Packed with nutrients: Not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a low-carb comfort food loaded with protein, vitamin A, iron and potassium.
Ingredients needed for African Chicken Peanut Stew:
Here are the simple pantry staples you’ll need to create this hearty West African Chicken Peanut Stew:
Chicken: Use skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks for a rich flavour. Alternatively, you can use chicken breast, chicken wings or even leftover rotisserie chicken. To make the recipe vegan, replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
Garlic: Minced garlic cloves add depth of flavour.
Ginger: fresh grated ginger provides a warming zest, but powdered ginger works as a substitute.
Salt: Salt enhances and balances the flavour of the stew.
Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper pairs wonderfully with chicken.
Spice: Smoked paprika adds a smoky, spicy kick to the stew.
Oil: Any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil or olive oil are excellent choices.
Onion: Onion is a key ingredient for building a flavourful base.
Pepper: You can use habanero pepper, cayenne pepper or any other hot pepper can be used. I have used bullet peppers.
Tomato Sauce: Adds vibrant colour and a tangy base. You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes or blend fresh tomatoes in a food processor.
Natural peanut Butter: This essential ingredient provides creaminess, a nutty depth and helps thicken the stew. Be sure to use smooth, natural peanut butter made from ground peanuts with no added sugar.
Serving suggestions:
African Chicken Peanut Stew is traditionally served with fufu or white rice, but you can opt for healthier alternatives like cauliflower rice, brown rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro and finely chopped dry-roasted peanuts for added flavour. For a spicy kick, top with chilies of your choice. These options make this comforting dish versatile and perfect for any preference.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Leftover chicken stew should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and use within five days to ensure freshness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to use, transfer the frozen stew to the fridge and let it defrost overnight. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop in a skillet until thoroughly heated.
Ingredients:
For Chicken Marination:
1 kg Chicken, bone-in & skin-on
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Freshly Cracked Black pepper
2 tsp Paprika powder
For the Sauce:
2 nos. Onion
3 nos. Tomato
3 nos. Habanero pepper /Bullet Peppers
4 nos. Garlic cloves
1 inch Ginger root, sliced
For the Peanut Stew:
6 tbsp Oil
1 no. Small onion, sliced
3 nos. Bay Leaves
1/2 cup Tomato Sauce
2 tsp Chicken Seasoning/ Bouillon powder
1/2 cup Unsweetened Peanut Butter
Salt to taste
1 tsp Dried Thyme
4-6 nos. Bullet Peppers, whole
Preparation:
- Step 1: Season chicken with salt, freshly cracked black pepper and paprika powder. Set aside for 20-30 minutes.
- Step 2: Roughly chop the onions and tomatoes. Slice the bullet peppers lengthwise, diving into halves.
- Step 3: In a blender jar add the onions, tomatoes, bullet peppers, garlic cloves and ginger. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a wok. Add the seasoned chicken and fry for about 5 minutes on each side or till the chicken is browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Step 5: Then add the sliced onions and bay leaves to the wok and fry till the onions are golden.
- Step 6: Stir in the blended sauce and tomato sauce and mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 6-10 minutes or until the sauce is well reduced and the raw tomato taste is gone.
- Step 7: Add the chicken seasoning and peanut butter and stir well to dissolve.
- Step 8: Then add the fried chicken back into the sauce and stir to combine.
- Step 9: Add water, salt to taste and dried thyme, stir to combine.
- Step 10: Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is well cooked.
- Step 11: Then add the whole bullet peppers, cover and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 12: Serve the African Chicken Peanut Stew with rice. Enjoy!!
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
FOLLOW ME
My Latest Posts
- post 1
- post 2