If you have a craving for a vibrant, flavorful, and comforting dish, this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds like no other. Bright, rich, and packed with layers of spices, this stew combines tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato and pepper sauce, bringing a burst of warmth and homey goodness in every spoonful. Whether you’re new to West African cuisine or a seasoned aficionado, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy an authentic taste of Nigeria’s beloved chicken stew right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build up that unforgettable depth of flavor, vibrant color, and satisfying texture. These basics come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and bright, bringing a perfect balance between spice and sweetness.
- 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks): The bone-in chicken keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the stew itself.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and peppery aroma that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes mild smokiness and enhances the stew’s vibrant red color.
- 1 teaspoon curry powder: Adds warm, complex spices that give the stew its distinctive Nigerian flair.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Brings earthy herbal notes to balance the richness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides a savory foundation with natural sweetness when cooked down.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Necessary for frying and developing the stew’s luscious texture.
- 4 large Roma tomatoes: Offer a sweet and tangy base that forms the heart of the sauce.
- 1 large red bell pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and slight crunch to the stew.
- 1 small red onion: Enhances flavor depth alongside the tomatoes and peppers.
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat): Provide the iconic spicy kick characteristic of Nigerian cooking.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the stew beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warm, savory undertones without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder: Offers a hint of brightness and subtle spice.
- 1 bouillon cube: Boosts the stew’s umami and savory complexity.
- Salt to taste: Important for adjusting the seasoning perfectly at the end.
How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken
First up, toss your chicken pieces in a lively mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes allows those spices to seep deep into the meat, building a flavorful foundation that will shine through every bite.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides. This step locks in moisture and adds a subtle caramelized flavor that makes the stew truly irresistible. Once browned, set the chicken aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Blend the Fresh Ingredients
In a blender, combine the fresh tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant sauce base that brings together the sweetness of the vegetables and the heat of the peppers in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Cook the Tomato Paste and Sauce
Using the same skillet, fry the tomato paste for about two minutes to deepen its flavor. Then pour in your blended mixture, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This reduction thickens the sauce and develops rich, concentrated flavors that are essential to a great Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe.
Step 5: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and add salt to your liking. Stir everything well to meld those aromatic spices into the sauce. These seasonings transform the stew into a multi-layered experience, creating that warm, comforting taste you’ll crave again and again.
Step 6: Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the thick stew. Cover and let everything simmer gently on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the chicken becomes tender and juicy while the sauce thickens further to the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is now ready! The juicy chicken pieces bathed in this rich, spicy tomato sauce are a feast for the eyes and palate. Serve hot and get ready to savor every bite.
How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches really elevate this stew. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a pop of green color and freshness. A squeeze of lime can also cut through the richness, brightening up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditional white rice is a classic choice that soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a twist, try fluffy fried plantains for some sweetness or a healthy cauliflower rice to keep things lighter without losing any flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, plate your chicken stew in a deep dish alongside colorful sides. You can also serve the stew over a mound of jollof rice for a full Nigerian feast. Using vibrant bowls or rustic wooden platters can add to the warm, inviting vibe when sharing with family or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe keeps perfectly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool the stew before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this stew later, it freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results, preserving the juicy, tender chicken and rich sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwave reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken will work, but keep in mind that bone-in pieces tend to retain more moisture and provide deeper flavor during cooking. If you use boneless, adjust cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.
How spicy is this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe?
The heat largely depends on the amount of scotch bonnet peppers you add. These peppers pack a punch, so using one or removing the seeds can reduce spiciness while keeping that authentic flavor. Always adjust to your heat tolerance.
Can I make this stew without oil?
While vegetable oil is key to frying the chicken and creating the sauce’s rich texture, you can reduce the amount slightly. Using a non-stick skillet can help, but for best authentic results, the oil is recommended.
What other proteins can I use besides chicken?
This stew is versatile and works well with beef, goat meat, or even fish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly since different proteins require different simmering durations to become tender and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your bouillon cube and any pre-mixed spices do not contain any gluten additives. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a plate of this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe—rich in flavor, comforting, and satisfying to the last bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this stew promises to bring warmth and joy to your table. Give it a try, and prepare for many compliments and requests for seconds!
Print
Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Description
This Nigerian Chicken Stew is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated chicken simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce blended with bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, and aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced with heat and depth, it pairs beautifully with white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice, making a comforting meal for family and friends.
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
Tomato Sauce Blend
- 4 large Roma tomatoes
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat)
Cooking Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 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 chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and the chopped onion. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds depth to the stew. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the tomato sauce blend: In a blender or food processor, combine the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until smooth to create a rich base for the stew.
- Cook the tomato paste and sauce: Using the same skillet, add the tomato paste and fry it for 2 minutes over medium heat to caramelize and deepen its flavor. Then pour in the blended tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and additional salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly in the stew base.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and the sauce has thickened to your preference.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Nigerian chicken stew hot alongside white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For less spicy stew, reduce the number of Scotch bonnet peppers or remove seeds before blending.
- Bone-in chicken adds more flavor, but you can use boneless chicken if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired for added freshness.
- Use vegetable oil or any neutral oil for frying to avoid overpowering the stew’s flavors.
