Chicken and Peanut Stew with Okra

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken and okra simmered in a thick peanut sauce with palm oil and lime accents. This cameroonian-inspired one pot ready in about 65 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Okra, Roasted unsalted peanuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Cameroonian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp palm oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add chicken skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 2 tbsp palm oil to pot, then add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and 2 tbsp tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return chicken to pot, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Blend 1/3 cup roasted peanuts with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Stir peanut paste into stew and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add sliced okra and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Stir in 1/4 cup lime juice and remove from heat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken and Peanut Stew with Okra take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken and Peanut Stew with Okra?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken and Peanut Stew with Okra?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken and Peanut Stew with Okra for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken and Peanut Stew with Okra?

Cameroonian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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