Chicken and Peanut Stew with Okra
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.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs Chicken thighs
- 1 cup Okra
- 1/3 cup Roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 medium Yellow onion
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Palm oil
- 1 Lime
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Add sliced okra and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Stir in 1/4 cup lime juice and remove from heat.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
