Hearty Groundnut Stew with Chicken

Hearty Groundnut Stew Recipe West African Comfort Food

By Chef YoyoAugust 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Hearty Groundnut Stew is Calling!

Ever crave something warm and comforting? Something that is also a bit unique? Then this recipe is for you. We are diving headfirst into boiled groundnut recipes , particularly a hearty stew inspired by West African flavours.

Think creamy, nutty, and utterly delicious!

Where Does This Goodness Come From?

This stew is inspired by traditional West African peanut stews. These stews often feature chicken, vegetables, and a rich, peanut based sauce.

This version is made easy and approachable for home cooks everywhere. It's a medium difficulty, taking about an hour and ten minutes from start to finish, yielding six generous servings.

Why You'll Love This Groundnut Magic

Honestly, this boiled peanuts recipe is special. First, the peanut butter brings a delightful creaminess and healthy fats to the table.

It is also packed with protein thanks to the chicken. Serve it on a chilly evening or as a comforting weeknight meal.

You can even call it your new go-to Chicken and peanut stew . It’s a total crowd pleaser.

Ready to get cooking? We're using simple ingredients, and the process is super straightforward. Let's get started with what you'll need to create your own version of this African peanut soup .

Gather Your Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

This groundnut soup recipe is incredibly flavorful with the combination of spices and creamy peanut butter. Don’t worry, if you prefer a Vegan groundnut stew , you can simply omit the chicken and add chickpeas.

Next, let's jump into the easy step-by-step instructions.

Alright, mate! So, you fancy giving some boiled groundnut recipes a go? Brilliant! This stew is where it's at. Let's get our bits and pieces together!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started

First things first. You're going to need the essentials. Don't worry, nothing too fancy.

Main Ingredients

Right then, here's what you'll need. No scrimping on quality here, eh?

Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) - Any neutral oil will do.
Onion: 1 large (chopped, about 1 cup ).
Garlic: 2 cloves (minced, about 2 teaspoons ). The fresher, the better, I always say.
Ginger: 1 inch piece (peeled and grated, about 1 tablespoon ).
Red bell pepper: 1 (seeded and chopped, about 1 cup ).
Scotch Bonnet pepper: 1 (finely chopped, use only 1/2 deseeded for less heat! Or a habanero as substitute).
Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) (boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces). Chicken thighs are better than breast, trust me!
Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds a lovely depth.
Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) (optional, if you like a kick).
Chicken broth: 4 cups (950 ml) .
Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup (240 ml) (natural, unsweetened is best). This is the star of the show.
Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) (undrained).
Sweet potato: 1 (peeled and diced, about 1.5 cups ).
Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup (chopped, for garnish). Not essential, but adds a nice touch.

Quality peanut butter makes a massive difference, honestly. If it tastes good on a spoon, it'll taste amazing in the stew.

Remember this ingredient list, because spicy boiled peanuts recipes can also work with the same peanut.

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk spices. This is where the magic happens.

The smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne are key. They give it that West African vibe. You could also throw in a bay leaf or two for extra depth.

If you're missing one, don't sweat it. Just adjust the others to taste.

For this groundnut soup recipe , getting the spice combo right is everything. We want warming, but not overpowering. And the scotch bonnet? Handle with care!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

Large pot or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens.
Cutting board.
Chef's knife.
Grater or Microplane (for ginger and garlic).

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large saucepan will do in a pinch. The main point here is creating a peanut butter chicken stew , which is easy to accomplish as long as you have the heat source.

We can make something akin to a vegan groundnut stew by replacing the chicken thighs with chickpeas.

Hearty Groundnut Stew: A Taste of West Africa (Without the Plane Ticket!)

Oh my gosh, you guys! Let's talk boiled groundnut recipes . Specifically, a groundnut stew with chicken that's seriously next level. I know, I know, peanut butter in a stew sounds a bit bonkers, but trust me on this one.

It's inspired by West African flavours, kind of like a simplified West African peanut stew , but totally doable on a Tuesday night.

Think cozy, comforting, and surprisingly complex in flavour.

Prep Power: Get Your Mise On!

First things first, let's get organised. That's the "mise en place" stuff. Chop 1 large onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic , grate about 1 tablespoon of ginger , and chop 1 red bell pepper .

Also, finely chop a tiny bit of scotch bonnet pepper (use habanero as substitute and only use 1/2). Seriously, only a tiny bit unless you want your face to melt off.

I always deseed them for less heat. Cut 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs into bite sized pieces and measure out your spices.

This is how you will have the most amazing Spicy Boiled Peanuts Recipes !

Let's Get Cooking: Easy Steps to Stew Nirvana

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, and bell pepper; cook for 2 more minutes .
Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Don't worry about cooking it through, just get some color on it.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika , 0.5 teaspoon of ground cumin , and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and a can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer.
Whisk in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until smooth.
Add 1 diced sweet potato , reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165F ) and the sweet potato is tender.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you're feeling fancy.

Pro-Level Tips for Groundnut Stew Greatness

Don't skimp on the peanut butter! Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is your best bet.
Common mistake: not tasting as you go! Seasoning is key, so adjust as needed.
make-ahead? Absolutely! This stew is even better the next day.

This stew is loosely based on the Nigerian groundnut soup recipe and African peanut soup recipes, but adapted for ease.

You can also adapt it into Peanut butter chicken stew or Chicken and peanut stew . If you want to make Vegan groundnut stew simply substitute the chicken for lentils, you will obtain an outstanding and nutritious meal.

I've also experimented with adding a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top it's a game changer!

Recipe Notes for Your Hearty Groundnut Stew

Okay, so you're ready to make my Hearty Groundnut Stew with Chicken? Awesome! Here are a few little nuggets of wisdom I've picked up along the way.

Trust me, they'll make your life easier.

Serving It Up Right

Let's talk presentation, yeah? For plating, think rustic charm. A big bowl of this stew just screams for a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

A dollop of plain yogurt on top? Chef's kiss . Honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight from the pot!

For sides, fluffy rice is a classic. Quinoa works great too if you're feeling fancy. And a side of collard greens? Oh my gosh, it's the perfect combo.

Don’t forget your favourite beverage. It goes so well with any drink!

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This stew is even better the next day. Pop it in an airtight container and it will last in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing? Absolutely! Just let it cool completely first. Then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can hang out in the freezer for up to 2 months .

When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop. Stir occasionally until it's heated through.

You can also microwave it. Honestly, it's super simple.

Remixing the Recipe

Want to shake things up? I get it. If you're going vegetarian , swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils. Boom! Vegan groundnut stew in a flash.

Need to adapt it to some dietary restrictions? No problem. And if you're feeling adventurous , add a pinch of extra cayenne pepper! Or a finely chopped chilli pepper for some extra heat.

And if you want some sweetness, use honey or maple syrup.

If you are making it during fall or winter, consider using Butternut squash or yams instead of sweet potatoes for a seasonal variation!

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, quick and dirty nutrition facts. Each serving of this deliciousness clocks in at around 450 calories. You're getting a whopping 35 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of fiber.

It's a pretty well rounded meal , if you ask me.

This stew is packed with good stuff. The peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein. The sweet potato is loaded with vitamins.

And the chicken keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Don’t feel guilty for eating this, okay?

And that's all there is to it! I hope these little notes help you create the most amazing Hearty Groundnut Stew with Chicken ever.

Now get cooking! I’m sure these boiled groundnut recipes are a great addition to your arsenal. Share your results with me, will ya? Now you have your own spicy boiled peanuts recipes to make!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are boiled groundnut recipes, and is this stew one of them?

Good question! "Boiled groundnut recipes" typically refer to soups and stews that use groundnuts, or peanuts, as a primary ingredient, especially in West African cuisines. This Hearty Groundnut Stew with Chicken definitely fits the bill. The peanut butter base gives it that signature nutty and creamy texture.

Can I make this Hearty Groundnut Stew with Chicken vegetarian? I'm trying to cut down on meat, you see!

Absolutely! Swapping out the chicken is super easy. Just replace the chicken with an equal amount of cooked chickpeas or lentils. You might want to add them a little later in the cooking process, perhaps with the sweet potato, as they don't need as long to cook.

This makes a delicious and hearty vegetarian version of the boiled groundnut recipe.

My stew isn't as thick as I'd like it. Is there a way to thicken it up?

No worries, that's an easy fix! You can either simmer the stew uncovered for a little longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir that into the stew towards the end of cooking.

Alternatively, a bit more peanut butter stirred in can also help thicken things up nicely.

Help! My stew is too spicy. How do I tone down the heat from the scotch bonnet and cayenne?

Oops, a bit too much "fire" in your dish, eh? The best way to dial down the spice is to add something dairy, like a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, which will help to neutralize the heat. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice, which can balance out the flavors.

And for next time, remember to start with just a tiny bit of those chili peppers and taste as you go!

How long does this Hearty Groundnut Stew with Chicken last, and what's the best way to store it?

This stew is usually even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld! Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure it's completely cooled before freezing.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.

I'm allergic to peanuts. Is there any alternative that would give the same kind of flavor?

Peanut allergies are tricky but this boiled groundnut recipe would not work if you are allergic to nuts. While the peanut butter flavour is key, if you must, you could try seed butter, like sunflower seed butter, but it will alter the flavour significantly.