Easy Nigerian Peanut Stew with Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Spinach
Easy Nigerian Peanut Stew with Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Spinach
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil 30 mL, such as canola, avocado, or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (680 g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided (6 g), plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 g
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, about 1 1/2 cups (150 g)
- 3 garlic cloves minced (9 g)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger 15 g
- 1 red bell pepper diced, about 1 cup (150 g)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 g
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste (0.5 g)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 ounces (411 g)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth divided (720 mL)
- 3/4 cup smooth unsweetened peanut butter (190 g)
- 1 pound sweet potato peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (450 g)
- 5 ounces baby spinach roughly chopped if leaves are large (140 g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 15 mL
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
- Chopped roasted peanuts and cilantro for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or other large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned. Transfer it to a plate; it does not need to be cooked through at this point.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of the broth, sweet potato, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and browned chicken with any juices. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover partially, lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer, and cook for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is nearly tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk the peanut butter with the remaining 1 cup broth until completely smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently along the bottom of the pot, until the stew is creamy and the sweet potato is tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until wilted. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust the salt, cayenne, or broth as needed. Serve warm over rice, with peanuts and cilantro if desired.
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The Dinner Atlas – Collection II: 31 International Dinner Recipes
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View ProductThis easy nigerian peanut stew recipe brings together tender chicken, a creamy tomato-peanut sauce, sweet potato, and spinach in one deeply comforting dinner. Known more broadly as groundnut stew, this Nigerian-inspired version is designed for busy home cooks: familiar supermarket ingredients, clear steps, and a flexible finish that can be as mild or as spicy as your table prefers. Serve it over warm rice for a filling weeknight meal with plenty of sauce in every bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Nigerian Peanut Stew Recipe
The standout feature of this stew is its balance. Peanut butter makes the sauce velvety and savory rather than sweet, while tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a little cayenne add brightness and gentle heat. Chicken thighs remain juicy during the simmer, sweet potato contributes a soft, satisfying texture, and spinach adds color and a fresh finish. It is a complete-feeling dinner without needing separate pots for a sauce, protein, and vegetables.
It is also forgiving for beginner cooks. You do not need specialty equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to make a rich chicken peanut stew. Browning the chicken first adds savory flavor, but the stew does the rest of the work while it simmers. Whisking the peanut butter with broth before adding it to the pot is a small but important step: it helps the peanut butter blend smoothly into the tomato base instead of forming lumps.
For a classic meal, spoon the stew over plain long-grain rice. If you would like another Nigerian-inspired rice option for a larger gathering, pair it with simple Nigerian jollof rice. The stew is rich, so a crisp cucumber salad, sliced tomatoes, or lightly dressed greens make a refreshing accompaniment.
Helpful Tips for a Creamy Groundnut Stew
Choose smooth, unsweetened peanut butter for the most dependable texture. Conventional creamy peanut butter and natural peanut butter both work, although natural peanut butter should be stirred well in the jar before measuring. Avoid sweetened peanut spreads, which can throw off the savory tomato-and-spice balance. If the sauce seems thicker than you like, add warm broth a few tablespoons at a time. The finished stew should be creamy and spoonable, not stiff.
Keep the simmer gentle once the peanut butter goes in. High heat can cause the sauce to stick to the bottom of the pot, particularly as it reduces. Stir regularly, scraping the bottom and corners of the pot, and lower the heat if you see fast bubbling. A heavy Dutch oven is useful, but any roomy pot with a solid base will work well.
For the best texture, cut the sweet potato into evenly sized small cubes. Pieces that are too large take longer to soften, while very tiny pieces can disappear into the sauce. Add spinach only near the end so it stays green and tender. Kale is a good sturdier substitute, but it needs a few extra minutes to soften.
Easy Variations for Chicken Peanut Stew
Adjust the heat to suit your household. The listed cayenne gives the stew a mild kick; omit it for a gentler meal, or add more at the table for adults who enjoy a bolder bowl. A diced Scotch bonnet can be traditional in many West African-style stews, but it is very hot. If using one, add it whole during simmering for controlled heat, then remove it before serving, taking care not to break it open.
You can also make the easy nigerian peanut stew recipe with chickpeas instead of chicken. Use vegetable broth, add drained chickpeas toward the end, and check the seasoning carefully because canned beans vary in saltiness. Butternut squash is an excellent swap for sweet potato, while chopped collard greens can stand in for spinach. These changes keep the creamy, nutty character while making the meal work with what you have.
If you enjoy warmly spiced chicken dinners from around the world, try this easy Ethiopian doro wat chicken stew on another night. For a different Nigerian-style meal with a roasted, spicy profile, these Nigerian suya beef skewers are a flavorful option.
Storage, Reheating, and Food Safety
This stew is a great make-ahead dinner because its flavors settle and mingle after chilling. Cool it promptly, transfer it to shallow covered containers, and refrigerate it within two hours. It keeps well for three to four days. Because peanut butter thickens considerably when cold, reheat individual portions gently with a splash of broth or water, stirring until the sauce is smooth and hot all the way through.
Freeze cooled portions for up to three months in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, then reheat on the stove. When cooking the stew initially, make sure the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Do not leave the finished pot at room temperature for extended serving periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an African peanut soup or a stew?
It can be described either way. African peanut soup is often thinner and served in a bowl, while this version is intentionally thicker and closer to a stew for serving over rice. Add extra broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken breast is leaner and can dry out more quickly than thighs, so add it later in the simmering process and cook only until it reaches a safe internal temperature. The flavorful peanut-tomato sauce will still make an excellent easy nigerian peanut stew recipe.
Does the stew taste strongly of peanut butter?
The peanut flavor is present but balanced by tomatoes, aromatics, chicken, and vegetables. It tastes savory, rich, and lightly nutty rather than like a sweet peanut butter sauce.
What should I serve with it besides rice?
Try warm flatbread, couscous, millet, or cooked quinoa. For a lower-effort option, serve the stew in bowls with a simple green salad and let the sweet potato provide the hearty element.
