African Chicken Peanut Stew Recipe

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort—African Chicken Peanut Stew is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible. Rich, nutty, and brimming with tender chicken, mushrooms, and lightly spiced aromatics, this classic West African stew delivers layer upon layer of flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family or wanting a big, satisfying pot for yourself, this one-pot wonder always steals the show.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of African Chicken Peanut Stew is how a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create something truly special. Every component adds its own unmistakable character—flavor, body, color, and just the right amount of heartiness.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: The dark meat stays incredibly juicy and tender, absorbing the stew’s bold flavors beautifully.
• Minced garlic & fresh ginger: These aromatics infuse the stew with warmth and complexity—don’t skip either!
• Salt & ground white pepper: Key for seasoning the chicken and deepening flavor throughout the simmering process.
• Olive oil: Helps develop a gorgeous golden sear on the chicken and mushrooms while adding richness.
• Onion: Gives sweetness and a savory backbone to the stew’s sauce.
• Tomato paste: For a touch of tang and a deep red color; it lifts up the earthy peanut notes.
• Water: Thins the sauce just enough while allowing all the flavors to meld—plus it makes the stew easy to adjust to your preferred thickness.
• Maggi stock cubes: A fast-track way to that classic West African depth and umami. Chicken or even vegetable cubes work well.
• Natural peanut butter: The absolute heart of the stew—choose unsweetened for the creamiest, nuttiest flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed until golden, they bring earthy, savory notes and lovely texture.
• Frozen spinach: A welcome color pop and dose of greens—just be sure to squeeze out extra water so your stew stays thick and dreamy.

Variations

One of the magical things about African Chicken Peanut Stew is how incredibly adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment, substitute, and make it entirely your own depending on what you have on hand, who you’re serving, or your particular mood.

• Vegan & Vegetarian: Swap in chickpeas, white beans, or hearty vegetables like cauliflower for the chicken—still wonderfully creamy and satisfying!
• Extra Veggie Power: Bulk up the stew with sweet potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and natural sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, sliced Scotch bonnet, or your favorite chili for a kick of heat that’s so traditional and welcome.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a different twist that keeps the stew allergy-friendly but still rich.

How to Make African Chicken Peanut Stew

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by tossing your chicken thighs with minced garlic, fresh ginger, salt, and white pepper. This simple step is the foundation of delicious flavor, letting the chicken get a head start soaking up all those beautiful aromatics. Set aside to marinate while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat a tablespoon of oil in your favorite heavy pot over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, sprinkling them with a pinch of salt and a little white pepper. Let them sizzle undisturbed for two minutes on each side—this is how you get that irresistible golden, savory edge. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the rest of the oil to the same pot, swirling to coat the bottom. Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Allow it to brown undisturbed for around five minutes, then flip and let the other side cook for another four to five minutes. This creates those delicious bits that will season the stew later. Remove the chicken and set aside—some oil should remain in the pot.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Ginger

Toss the diced onions into the pot and sauté for a couple of minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the rest of the minced garlic and ginger, letting them cook for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and let cook for one more minute to lose its raw edge and deepen its flavor.

Step 5: Build the Base

Pour in two cups of water and crumble in the Maggi stock cubes, stirring well until everything is smoothly combined. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer so the flavors begin to come together—you’ll smell it when it happens!

Step 6: Add the Peanut Butter

Now for the magic: whisk in the peanut butter until completely smooth, then add the remaining cup of water. Stir well—there’s an art to this creamy, peanutty base! Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Simmer the Chicken

Return the browned chicken to the pot. Let it all simmer together for another five minutes, so the chicken reheats and the flavors really melt into one another. If you like your stew a bit soupier, add extra water now—just remember the stew will thicken as it cools.

Step 8: Finish with Veggies

Add the sautéed mushrooms back into the stew, then gently fold in the thawed, squeezed spinach. Let everything bubble together for one final minute, and you’re done! Turn off the heat and get ready for the best part: serving.

How to Serve African Chicken Peanut Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, some thinly sliced green onions, or even a few crushed roasted peanuts scattered on top add a lovely pop of color and crunch. If you love a bit of heat, try sliced red chilies for that extra zing—totally optional but delightful!

Side Dishes

African Chicken Peanut Stew truly shines served over fluffy white rice, but it’s also fantastic alongside warm, crusty bread, fufu, or even a big scoop of couscous. The stew’s creamy sauce is meant for sopping up, so don’t hold back with your favorite carb!

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling the stew into mini bowls as a hearty appetizer, or serve family-style in a big communal pot for festive gatherings. For a modern twist, top each serving with a swirl of yogurt or a drizzle of chili oil—it looks beautiful and amps up the flavors even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover African Chicken Peanut Stew keeps beautifully! Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the flavors just get deeper over time.

Freezing

This stew is a freezer superstar. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat your stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly—just cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for your new favorite cozy meal, African Chicken Peanut Stew is bound to win your heart and taste buds. The warmth, richness, and soul-satisfying flavors are meant to be shared—so gather your ingredients, invite a few friends, and let this fragrant stew bring a burst of joy to your table.

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