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Creamy West African Groundnut Chicken Stew Slow Cooker Recipe

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A rich and comforting West African peanut butter chicken stew made easy in a slow cooker, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners with tender chicken and bold spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • ¾ cup natural smooth peanut butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Optional: 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (remove seeds for milder heat)
  • Optional: 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Chop onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently.
  3. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic and tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Transfer sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and peanut butter. Stir gently to combine. Add Scotch bonnet pepper if using.
  5. Nestle seasoned chicken thighs into the sauce, making sure they’re mostly submerged.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until chicken is tender and sauce is creamy and thickened.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or honey if needed. Remove Scotch bonnet if used. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
  8. Serve warm over steamed rice, fufu, or warm flatbread.

Notes

Sautéing the aromatics before slow cooking deepens the flavor. Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for best results. Adjust heat by controlling cayenne and Scotch bonnet peppers. Resist opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. If stew is too thin at the end, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken; if too thick, add broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: West African, groundnut stew, peanut chicken stew, slow cooker recipe, creamy chicken stew, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/creamy-west-african-groundnut-chicken-stew-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-weeknights/