Slow-Simmered Ghanaian Groundnut Stew with Chicken

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

A rich and hearty West African peanut stew simmered with tender chicken thighs and aromatic spices for a comforting meal. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, peanut butter, smooth, onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 African cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook an additional 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced onion, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1.5 teaspoons salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 7 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup smooth peanut butter and 3 cups chicken broth, whisking until peanut butter fully incorporates and the stew is smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the pot along with 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (leave whole for mild heat). Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 40 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove scotch bonnet pepper and discard. Garnish stew with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice or fufu.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Ghanaian Groundnut Stew with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Slow-Simmered Ghanaian Groundnut Stew with Chicken?

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 peanut butter, smooth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Ghanaian Groundnut Stew with Chicken?

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 Slow-Simmered Ghanaian Groundnut Stew with Chicken 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 Slow-Simmered Ghanaian Groundnut Stew with Chicken?

African chicken 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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