Description
Nigerian Chicken Stew is a rich and flavorful West African dish made with tender seared chicken simmered in a bold tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect with rice, plantains, or yams, this hearty stew is full of warmth and spice.
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 (use 1 for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 bouillon cube
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In a blender, blend tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and scotch bonnets until smooth.
4. In the same skillet, fry tomato paste for 2 minutes. Add the blended mixture and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the stew thickens.
7. Serve hot with rice, fried plantains, or yams.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
Adjust spice level by using fewer scotch bonnets.
Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a twist.
Palm oil can be used instead of vegetable oil for traditional flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 135mg