Discover a comforting and flavorful stew dinner recipe perfect for any night of the week. This West African Peanut Chicken Stew brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory peanut sauce for a meal everyone will love. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that’s big on taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breast also works.
- Peanut Butter: Use natural, unsweetened creamy peanut butter.
- Sweet Potatoes: Regular potatoes or butternut squash are good alternatives.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes are fine if crushed are unavailable.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a different flavor.
- Greens: Spinach or collard greens are excellent additions.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or collard greens
For Serving
- Cooked rice or couscous
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, cutting board, knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew dinner.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This creates the aromatic base for your stew.
3. Build the Base
Stir in the diced sweet potato, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, peanut butter, tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring well to combine all ingredients smoothly. This forms the rich sauce for your stew dinner.
4. Simmer the Stew
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Add Greens and Season
Stir in the fresh spinach or collard greens during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cook until the greens are wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the West African Peanut Chicken Stew over cooked rice or couscous. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro before serving. This hearty stew dinner recipe is now ready to enjoy.
Variation Ideas
- Extra Vegetables: Add carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the sweet potatoes.
- Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preference.
- Creaminess: A touch of coconut milk can be stirred in at the end for added richness.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover West African Peanut Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This stew dinner recipe freezes well too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground chicken instead?
Yes, you can use ground chicken. Brown it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
- Is this stew naturally gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth and peanut butter are gluten-free, this stew is naturally gluten-free.
- What can I serve this stew with besides rice?
It’s also delicious with quinoa, fufu, or simply a crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s a great make-ahead stew dinner recipe.
- How do I make this stew less spicy?
Simply omit the cayenne pepper from the ingredients list.
- What kind of peanut butter works best?
Creamy, natural, unsweetened peanut butter is ideal for the best flavor and texture.