Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a flavorful West African classic that brings bold and comforting tastes to your dinner table. This dish features seared chicken simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, infused with aromatic spices that create a deeply satisfying meal. Perfectly paired with rice, plantains, or yams, this stew delivers a harmonious balance of heat, sweetness, and savoriness, making it a beloved staple in Nigerian cuisine.

Why Nigerian Chicken Stew Is So Popular

The popularity of Nigerian Chicken Stew comes from its robust flavors and versatile serving options. The combination of seared chicken and a tomato-pepper sauce creates layers of taste, from the slightly smoky, caramelized notes of the chicken to the spicy, slightly sweet sauce. The inclusion of scotch bonnet peppers gives the dish its signature heat, while the use of traditional spices like paprika, curry powder, and thyme adds depth and authenticity. This stew is both hearty and comforting, making it perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Ingredients for Nigerian Chicken Stew

For the Chicken

• 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 onion, chopped
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the Tomato-Pepper Sauce

• 4 large Roma tomatoes
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 bouillon cube
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Nigerian Chicken Stew

Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all the spices, which will enhance the flavor of the final stew.

Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, which locks in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a blender, combine the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant, spicy base for the stew.

Cook the Sauce

Return the skillet to the heat and fry the tomato paste for 2 minutes to release its natural sweetness. Add the blended tomato-pepper mixture, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to intensify.

Season the Stew

Incorporate garlic powder, ginger powder, the bouillon cube, and additional salt to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Simmer the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes. The chicken becomes tender, and the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency for serving.

Serve

Serve the Nigerian Chicken Stew hot with white rice, fried plantains, yams, or cauliflower rice. The rich, spicy sauce and tender chicken pair beautifully with a neutral starch, balancing the heat and flavors.

Tips for Making the Best Nigerian Chicken Stew

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Searing the chicken before adding the sauce locks in juices and adds a smoky, caramelized flavor.
• Adjust the scotch bonnet peppers to control the spice level.
• Simmering the stew on low heat ensures the chicken is cooked through while allowing the sauce to thicken naturally.
• Serve immediately for the best taste, as the sauce may thicken further upon cooling.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Nigerian Chicken Stew provides approximately 395 kcal, 37 g of protein, and 23 g of fat. It also contains 10 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of fiber, and 135 mg of cholesterol. This makes it a nutrient-rich, protein-packed dish suitable for a hearty, wholesome meal.

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