There’s just something magical about the warmth and richness of African chicken peanut stew that makes my heart sing! This dish is a beautiful symphony of flavors, combining tender chicken with creamy peanut butter and a medley of spices that dance on your palate. I remember the first time I tasted this stew at a friend’s family gathering, where it was served with big smiles and laughter all around. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, and I love how it brings everyone together. Trust me, once you try this African chicken peanut stew, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table too! It’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting—a true hug in a bowl! You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this delightful dish, so let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for African Chicken Peanut Stew
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
How to Prepare African Chicken Peanut Stew
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this incredible African chicken peanut stew! Trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the ingredients hit!
- Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté these aromatic beauties until they’re fragrant and the onion turns translucent—about 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to add the chicken pieces. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step seals in those juicy flavors, so don’t rush it!
- Once the chicken is beautifully browned, stir in the cumin and paprika. Let those spices mingle for a minute to release their magic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a rolling boil—this is where the stew starts coming together!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This is when the chicken becomes tender and infuses all that flavor into the broth.
- After simmering, it’s time to stir in the peanut butter. Mix it in well until it’s fully combined—this is where the creaminess comes in!
- Finally, add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until it’s wilted and vibrant. Season it all with salt and pepper to your taste, and voilà!
- Serve hot, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Nutritional Information for African Chicken Peanut Stew
This African chicken peanut stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Each serving is estimated to contain around 400 calories, with 25 grams of fat—perfect for that creamy texture. You’ll also get 25 grams of protein, making it a hearty choice for dinner. With about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fiber, this stew offers a balanced meal. Just keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions. Enjoy the goodness of this wholesome dish without any guilt!
Tips for Success with African Chicken Peanut Stew
To take your African chicken peanut stew to the next level, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on browning the chicken—this step adds a rich depth of flavor that makes a big difference. If you want to kick up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili peppers while sautéing the onions. Also, if you’re a fan of a thicker stew, try stirring in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end, and let it simmer a little longer.
Feel free to experiment with veggies! Sweet potatoes or carrots are fantastic additions that complement the peanut flavor beautifully. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for hearty chickpeas or tofu. Trust me, the versatility of this stew is part of its charm, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy flavor with a delightful blend of spices
- Hearty and filling, perfect for family dinners
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Packed with protein and nutrients from chicken and spinach
- Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient substitutions
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs
Serving Suggestions for African Chicken Peanut Stew
To really elevate your African chicken peanut stew experience, I love serving it with a side of fluffy rice or warm crusty bread. The rice soaks up that delicious, creamy sauce beautifully, while the bread is perfect for dipping! You can also pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for an extra crunch and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Trust me, these sides make every bite of this hearty stew even more delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your African chicken peanut stew is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep! If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water if it’s too thick. Enjoy your delicious stew again!
FAQ About African Chicken Peanut Stew
Got questions about making this amazing African chicken peanut stew? I’ve got you covered! One common question I hear is, “Can I use another protein instead of chicken?” Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or even beef for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Another frequent query is about peanut allergies. If you or someone you’re serving has a peanut allergy, try using sunbutter or almond butter for a similar creamy texture without the peanuts. Also, if you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to add more spices like cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños while sautéing the veggies. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to find your perfect flavor balance!
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African Chicken Peanut Stew: 8 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This African chicken peanut stew is rich and flavorful. It combines chicken with peanut butter and spices for a hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
- Stir in cumin and paprika.
- Add chicken broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in peanut butter until well combined.
- Add spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice or bread.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- This stew can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: african chicken peanut stew
