Liberian Chicken Peanut Stew
A rich and savory stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy peanut butter sauce with sweet potatoes and aromatic spices. This dish is a comforting and flavorful staple in Liberian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 pounds Chicken pieces (thighs, legs, or wings)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion, sliced
- 3 inch piece Ginger, peeled and minced
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 pounds Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 15-ounce can Crushed tomatoes
- 1 quart Chicken stock
- 1 cup Peanut butter
- 1 cup Roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 0.5 cup Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor. - 2
Add sliced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced ginger and chopped garlic, sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Add cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the aromatics. Cook for a few minutes.
- 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, peanut butter, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until the peanut butter is fully incorporated.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is well dissolved to avoid lumps. - 5
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 90 minutes, or until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: Stirring is crucial, especially as the peanut butter can stick to the bottom of the pot. - 6
Once cooked, remove chicken pieces to a separate bowl. Shred the meat off the bones, discarding skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
💡 Tip: This step is optional; you can also leave the chicken in larger pieces. - 7
Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped cilantro. Serve hot, garnished with chopped roasted peanuts.
💡 Tip: A squeeze of lime juice can add a bright finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother stew, you can blend some of the cooked sweet potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓This stew thickens as it cools, so you may want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or okra.
- Use beef or lamb instead of chicken.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables or firm tofu.