Liberian Chicken and Peanut Stew
Variation
A rich and savory stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy peanut butter sauce with aromatic vegetables and spices. This variation focuses on a slightly lighter broth while retaining the classic peanut flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 cup Peanut butter(unsweetened, natural)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(fresh, grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced, canned or fresh)
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced, for flavor without excessive heat)
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 1 crumbled Bouillon cube
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 cup Optional: Okra(sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat palm oil or vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to break down slightly.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with about 1 cup of the chicken broth until smooth. This prevents the peanut butter from clumping.
- 5
Add the smooth peanut butter mixture to the pot, along with the remaining chicken broth, crumbled bouillon cube, and the whole scotch bonnet pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
If using okra, add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving.
- 9
Serve hot, typically with Liberian rice or fufu.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor to the stew.
- ✓Whisking the peanut butter with broth before adding it to the pot is crucial for a smooth sauce.
- ✓Adjust the heat by leaving the scotch bonnet whole and piercing it, or finely mincing it for more spice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots for a heartier stew.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken broth and water.