Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
Introduction
Nigerian Chicken Stew is a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly balances spicy and savory elements. This vibrant stew is a staple in Nigerian cuisine, pairing beautifully with rice or plantains for a comforting meal. Whether you’re new to African cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and the chopped onion. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Blend the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers until smooth to create your sauce base.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, fry the tomato paste for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the blended sauce, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Add garlic powder, ginger powder, the bouillon cube, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the spices evenly.
- Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the stew has thickened.
- Step 7: Serve the stew hot with white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For less heat, use just one scotch bonnet pepper or substitute with milder chili peppers.
- Using bone-in chicken adds depth of flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
- Try adding diced carrots or potatoes to the stew for extra texture and heartiness.
- If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned plum tomatoes can be an effective substitute.
Storage
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat until heated through. The stew also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this stew?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in pieces add more flavor and tend to stay juicier during cooking.
How spicy is Nigerian Chicken Stew?
The heat level depends on how many scotch bonnet peppers you use. They are very hot peppers, so use less if you prefer a milder stew.
PrintNigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
This Nigerian Chicken Stew is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender bone-in chicken simmered in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. The stew is infused with aromatic spices like curry powder, thyme, and paprika, complemented by the heat from scotch bonnet peppers. Perfect for pairing with white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice, this traditional West African recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 onion, chopped
Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 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
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the cleaned chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and the chopped onion. Mix well to coat evenly and let it marinate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them until browned on both sides. This process locks in flavor and adds a nice color. Once browned, set the chicken aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend into a smooth mixture to form the base of the stew.
- Cook the Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and fry the tomato paste for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly, which adds depth to the flavor. Then pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture. Stir and cook the sauce for about 10 minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Season the Stew: Add garlic powder, ginger powder, the bouillon cube, and salt to taste into the sauce. Stir well to combine all seasonings, ensuring the sauce is flavorful.
- Simmer: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook covered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked and the stew has thickened nicely.
- Serve: Serve the Nigerian chicken stew hot alongside white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers depending on your preferred spice level.
- Bone-in chicken adds flavor and keeps the meat tender; however, boneless chicken can be used for convenience.
- Letting the chicken marinate enhances the taste significantly.
- Searing the chicken adds a rich flavor and seals in juices.
- The stew thickens naturally during the simmering process, but you can uncover it toward the end to reduce further if desired.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure your bouillon cube is certified gluten-free.
Keywords: Nigerian Chicken Stew, West African Chicken Stew, Spicy Chicken Stew, Tomato Chicken Stew, African Recipes, Comfort Food
