Chicken Peanut Stew: Creamy, Nutty, and Comforting
Chicken Peanut Stew is a rich, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, and aromatic spices in a flavorful broth. With roots in West African cuisine, this stew combines the nutty sweetness of peanuts with savory ingredients, creating a comforting and deeply satisfying meal. Every spoonful delivers layers of flavor—sweet, savory, and slightly spicy—that make it an unforgettable dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or family dinners, Chicken Peanut Stew is simple to make yet packed with complexity. Its creamy texture and bold taste make it a dish that warms the soul and leaves you craving more. With protein-rich chicken and a touch of healthy fats from peanuts, this stew is as nutritious as it is comforting.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, diced | 1 lb (450 g) | 330 kcal |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | 44 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 13 kcal |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tbsp | 5 kcal |
| Peanut butter | ½ cup | 470 kcal |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups (960 ml) | 40 kcal |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 cup | 80 kcal |
| Sweet potatoes, diced | 1 cup | 114 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Cayenne pepper | ½ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Fresh cilantro (optional garnish) | 2 tbsp | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add spices and peanut butter: Stir in paprika and cayenne, followed by peanut butter. Mix until chicken is coated.
- Add liquids and vegetables: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add sweet potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it spicier: Increase cayenne pepper or add fresh chili peppers.
- Use other vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work well.
- Vegan option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Creamier texture: Stir in coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Nut variation: Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–460 kcal |
| Protein | 30–35 g |
| Fat | 22–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28–32 g |
| Fiber | 5–6 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous for a hearty meal.
- Pair with warm flatbread or naan for dipping.
- Top with chopped peanuts for added crunch.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Chicken Peanut Stew: Creamy, Nutty, and Comforting
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes420-460
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantitytApprox. Calories
Chicken breast, dicedt1 lb (450 g)t330 kcal
Onion, choppedt1 mediumt44 kcal
Garlic, mincedt3 clovest13 kcal
Ginger, gratedt1 tbspt5 kcal
Peanut buttert½ cupt470 kcal
Chicken brotht4 cups (960 ml)t40 kcal
Diced tomatoes (canned)t1 cupt80 kcal
Sweet potatoes, dicedt1 cupt114 kcal
Olive oilt2 tbspt240 kcal
Cayenne peppert½ tspt3 kcal
Paprikat1 tspt6 kcal
Salt & black peppertTo tastet0 kcal
Fresh cilantro (optional)t2 tbspt2 kcal
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, and peanut butter, coating chicken evenly.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add sweet potatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra spice as desired.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Thighs add extra flavor and juiciness.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter works best for a creamy texture; stir well to avoid clumps.
FAQs
1. What is Chicken Peanut Stew?
Chicken Peanut Stew is a creamy, nutty, and flavorful stew made with tender chicken, peanut butter, aromatic spices, and vegetables. It’s inspired by West African cuisine and is perfect for hearty, comforting meals.
2. Can I use peanut butter alternatives?
Yes! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor and similar creamy texture.
3. Is Chicken Peanut Stew spicy?
The spice level is mild to medium by default. You can increase cayenne pepper or add fresh chili peppers for more heat, or reduce it for a milder stew.
4. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen when stored overnight. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days and reheat gently.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Peanut Stew?
Yes. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Conclusion
Chicken Peanut Stew is a delightful combination of creamy, nutty flavors with tender chicken and aromatic spices. Simple to make yet deeply satisfying, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or sharing with family and friends. Its versatility allows for endless customizations, whether you prefer it spicier, creamier, or loaded with vegetables. A bowl of this stew delivers warmth, comfort, and a unique flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
