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Flavorful West African Peanut Butter Chicken Stew Recipe Easy and Perfect with Yam and Scotch Bonnet

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A rich and hearty West African peanut butter chicken stew featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy peanut sauce, spicy Scotch bonnet peppers, and sweet yams. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 medium yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter
  • 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Handful of chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube the yams into roughly 1-inch pieces. Dice the onion, mince garlic, grate ginger, and finely chop the Scotch bonnet peppers. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pot, add diced onions, garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Stir often until onions soften and become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ground coriander. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add peanut butter, stirring to blend with the aromatics. Slowly pour in broth and crushed tomatoes, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot. Add yam cubes, submerging them in the sauce as much as possible. Cover and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and yams are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. For more heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not skip searing the chicken to add depth of flavor. Control heat carefully when adding peanut butter to avoid burning. Adjust Scotch bonnet pepper quantity to control spice level. Simmer low and slow for tender yams and juicy chicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce may separate slightly; stir gently to reincorporate.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter chicken stew, West African stew, yam stew, Scotch bonnet peppers, comfort food, spicy chicken stew, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/flavorful-west-african-peanut-butter-chicken-stew-recipe-easy-and-perfect-with-yam-and-scotch-bonnet/