If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your dinner table, African Chicken Peanut Stew might just be the dish for you.
This traditional African recipe is a symphony of flavors, blending tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, and aromatic spices into a hearty, soul-warming stew. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
What Makes African Chicken Peanut Stew Special?
African cuisine is known for its bold flavors and creative use of simple ingredients. Chicken Peanut Stew is no exception—it’s a dish that embodies comfort, tradition, and versatility. The combination of peanut butter and tomato sauce creates a rich, velvety base that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Add to that the vibrant kick of cayenne pepper and the earthy undertones of bouillon powder, and you have a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Beyond its taste, this recipe is wonderfully simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder—fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these 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
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, making this dish accessible even if you’re new to African cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by washing and patting dry the chicken thighs. In a small bowl, mix salt and black pepper. Rub this seasoning on both sides of each chicken piece to infuse them with flavor.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in some olive oil. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides until they develop a golden crust. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Create the Flavor Base
In a large soup pot, heat ¼ cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, sautéing them until they soften and release their aroma. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your stew.
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, cayenne pepper, and bouillon powder. Let this mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the spices to meld together beautifully.
3. Combine Everything
Pour in the chicken stock and gently add the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. Let the stew simmer for about 10 minutes—this gives the chicken time to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Taste the stew at this point and adjust the salt if needed. Remember, seasoning is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors!
4. Add the Peanut Butter
Finally, it’s time for the star ingredient: peanut butter. Stir it into the pot until it’s fully incorporated into the sauce. As the peanut butter melts into the stew, it will thicken and create a luscious texture that’s irresistible.
Let the stew cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. And just like that, your African Chicken Peanut Stew is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it’s served with rice or fufu (a starchy dough made from cassava or plantains). You could also try it with quinoa, couscous, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is African Chicken Peanut Stew incredibly tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein, while peanut butter offers healthy fats and vitamins. Bell peppers and onions add fiber and antioxidants, making this dish as wholesome as it is flavorful.
Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep! The flavors deepen as they sit, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—or freeze portions for future meals.
Final Thoughts
African Chicken Peanut Stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together around a shared love of good food. Whether you’re exploring African cuisine for the first time or revisiting a beloved favorite, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
So why not give it a try tonight? With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you’ll have a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. Happy cooking—and enjoy your culinary journey into African flavors!
PrintA Taste of Africa Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe
African Chicken Peanut Stew is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish made with chicken thighs, peanut butter, spices, and a tomato-based sauce. A beloved staple in many African households, this stew brings rich, nutty, and slightly spicy flavors that are perfect with rice or fufu.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African
- Diet: Normal
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
1. Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs.
2. Rub salt and pepper on both sides of each chicken piece.
3. Heat some olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
4. In a large soup pot, heat ¼ cup olive oil and sauté chopped onion and red bell pepper for a few minutes.
5. Add tomato sauce, cayenne pepper, bouillon powder, and chicken stock. Simmer for a few minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Add salt if needed, then stir in peanut butter until fully combined.
8. Cook until the stew thickens. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with white rice, couscous, or traditional African starches like fufu or plantains.
Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
This dish gets even better the next day as flavors develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 504
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
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