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Maria Canilssom

Nigerian Chicken Stew (Authentic & Flavorful)

A rich, bold, aromatic West African tomato and pepper stew simmered with tender seasoned chicken. This classic Nigerian Chicken Stew is deeply flavorful, spicy, and perfect with rice, yams, pasta, or plantains.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: African, Nigerian, West African
Calories: 298
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or mix)
  • salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 6-8 fresh tomatoes, chopped (or canned)
  • 2-3 red bell peppers
  • 1-2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers
  • 1 large onion
  • 3-4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small piece fresh ginger
  • 1-2 seasoning cubes or bouillon powder
  • salt, to taste
  • 1-2 cups chicken broth (from cooked chicken)

Equipment

  • large pot
  • blender
  • knife and cutting board
  • spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Add chicken to a pot with salt, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onion. Add a little water and steam until the chicken releases its juices and is almost cooked. Optionally brown the chicken in oil.
  2. Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, Scotch bonnet, onion, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Simmer the blend for 10–15 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
  3. Heat oil in a pot. Add chopped onion and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the reduced tomato-pepper blend and cook 10–15 minutes until the oil separates.
  4. Add the cooked chicken and pour in chicken broth as needed. Add bouillon and more curry or thyme if desired. Cover and simmer 20–30 minutes.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with rice, pasta, yams, or plantains.

Notes

Frying the tomato-pepper blend until the oil separates is key to achieving authentic flavor. Brown the chicken for extra depth, and adjust heat by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnets. Great for meal prep—flavors intensify the next day.