Slow-Simmered Senegalese Peanut Chicken Stew

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

A rich and hearty chicken stew slow-cooked in a savory peanut and tomato sauce, infused with traditional West African spices. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs peanut butter (natural, unsweetened), tablespoons tomato paste, large onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 African cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add 2 pounds chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and 1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot and add 3 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 2 peeled and chopped carrots, and 2 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring gently.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the stew before serving to add a fresh herbal note.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Senegalese Peanut Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 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 Senegalese Peanut Chicken Stew?

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 tablespoons tomato paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Senegalese Peanut Chicken Stew?

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 Senegalese Peanut Chicken Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Senegalese Peanut Chicken Stew?

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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