Groundnut Chop-Chicken In Peanut Butter Sauce(West African Recipe)
A flavorful West African dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, nutty peanut butter sauce, complemented by rice, mango chutney, and fresh spices for a vibrant meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups peanut butter ⓘ
- 2 3/4 cups water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
- mango chutney ⓘ
- fresh coconut, grated ⓘ
- fresh hot pepper, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the cooked chicken by cutting it into 1/2-inch dice.
- In a skillet, melt the olive oil over medium heat; add the peanut butter and stir vigorously until smooth.
- Add water and seasonings (salt, black pepper, paprika, nutmeg, cayenne pepper) to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the diced chicken and turn the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 7 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- If more seasoning is desired, add it at this stage before serving.
- Serve the chicken and sauce in a ring around flaky cooked rice, garnished with mango chutney, grated fresh coconut, grated hot pepper, and any other preferred relishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, consider using creamy peanut butter. If you're short on peanut butter, tahini or almond butter can be a good alternative. Adjust the heat with cayenne pepper based on your preference. For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of soy sauce or a splash of lime juice. This dish is also great with leftover chicken from recipes like Chicken A La Jacqueline.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Groundnut Chop-Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. Garnish with a generous scoop of mango chutney, freshly grated coconut, and hot pepper for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a different twist, try it with a side of fried plantains.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Groundnut Chop-Chicken In Peanut Butter Sauce(West African Recipe) contains roughly 1648 calories, with 41g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (380% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (212% of the Daily Value), and iron (173% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 606mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you will need to cook it thoroughly before adding the peanut butter sauce. Dice the raw chicken and sauté it in olive oil until fully cooked, then follow the recipe as directed for the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Groundnut Chop-Chicken is an excellent candidate for meal prep. Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store it separately from the rice. Reheat when ready to serve for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.
What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have allergies?
If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still provide a rich sauce. Always check labels to ensure the substitute is safe for your dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).