Name: Comforting Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe for Flavorful Gatherings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 kg Bone-in chicken (Skin-on preferred for richness); 1 tsp Salt (Adjust according to taste); 1 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground for best flavor); 1/4 cup Vegetable oil (For searing chicken); 5 pcs Roma tomatoes (Blended for sauce); 1 pc Red bell pepper (Adds sweetness); 1 small Red onion (Chopped for sauce); 2 pcs Scotch bonnet peppers (Adjust for desired heat); 2 tbsp Tomato paste (Deepens the flavor); 1 tsp Garlic powder (For aromatic depth); 1 tsp Ginger powder (Adds warmth); 1 cube Bouillon cube (Boosts umami); 1 tsp Thyme (For earthiness); 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (Optional garnish); 2 pcs Scallions (Sliced for topping)

“Why order takeout when you can create a feast at home?” It was this thought that led me to perfect the art of making Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe. Rich, vibrant, and full of soul, this West African dish warms your spirit and your taste buds with every spoonful. Seared chicken mingles harmoniously in a spicy tomato-pepper sauce, making it a delightful addition to any meal. One of the best parts? This hearty stew is a true crowd-pleaser that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something special. Plus, it’s a warm comfort food, perfect for gatherings of family and friends. So, why not roll up your sleeves and dive into a kitchen adventure? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! What’s your favorite way to serve this delicious stew?

Why Is This Nigerian Chicken Stew Special?

Deeply Satisfying Flavor: Each bite bursts with the richness of spices and the savory punch of tomatoes and peppers.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll wow your family and friends without breaking a sweat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this stew shines on the table.
Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, fried plantains, or yams for a delightful experience, or try it alongside Chicken Enchiladas Cozy.
Cultural Experience: Bring home the soul of West Africa with flavors that tell a story. Trust me, just one taste and you’ll fall in love!

Nigerian Chicken Stew Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Chicken – Bone-in chicken is preferable for a richer flavor, but you can use boneless if you’re short on time.
• Salt – This essential ingredient enhances the overall flavor, adjust based on your seasoning needs.
• Black Pepper – Adds a layer of warmth and complexity to the stew’s flavor profile.

For the Sauce
• Vegetable Oil – Ideal for searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors.
• Roma Tomatoes – They’re the base for this saucy delight, providing a rich and tangy profile.
• Red Bell Pepper – A touch of sweetness that also adds a pop of vibrant color to the stew.
• Small Red Onion – Enhances the sauce’s flavor depth, contributing to its aromatic richness.
• Scotch Bonnet Peppers – Authentic heat that gives the stew character; feel free to substitute with habanero for a similar kick.
• Tomato Paste – Fry it to deepen the sauce’s flavor while ensuring a thick consistency.
• Garlic Powder – Adds aromatic depth – simply delicious!
• Ginger Powder – Complements the spice profile, adding warmth and zest.
• Bouillon Cube – This little powerhouse boosts umami flavors, essential for authenticity.
• Thyme – Imparts a hint of earthiness that balances the sauce beautifully.

For Garnishing
• Fresh Parsley/Cilantro – Optional garnish that brings a fresh touch to the finished dish.
• Scallions/Lime – These optional toppings brighten your stew, elevating the entire dining experience.

This Nigerian Chicken Stew recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a large bowl, combine bone-in chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onion. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to absorb those delicious flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your Nigerian Chicken Stew.

Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken pieces, allowing them to brown nicely on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. Look for a golden crust to form, sealing in the juices. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare Sauce Base
In a blender, combine Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree, which will be the base for your fragrant sauce. The vibrant colors of the ingredients will hint at the delicious flavors to come in your Nigerian Chicken Stew, making your kitchen feel lively!

Step 4: Cook Sauce
In the same skillet used for searing the chicken, add the tomato paste and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This enhances the flavor and deepens the color of the paste. Next, pour in your blended tomato and pepper mixture, cooking for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Season Sauce
Stir in garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and additional salt to taste into the bubbling sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that your Nigerian Chicken Stew is coming together beautifully.

Step 6: Simmer Chicken
Return the seared chicken pieces to the sauce, ensuring they are submerged for even cooking. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer for 25-30 minutes. Baste occasionally to keep the chicken moist, waiting until the chicken is tender and the sauce is richly aromatic.

Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your hearty Nigerian Chicken Stew with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with sliced scallions or a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish before serving, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Expert Tips for Nigerian Chicken Stew

Marinating Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply for a richer Nigerian Chicken Stew.
Cooking Heat: Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers for your heat preference. Removing the seeds can mellow the spice for a milder dish.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, uncover and cook a bit longer. This helps reduce and thicken the sauce for a perfect stew consistency.
Flavor Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes during simmering for added nutrition and flavor depth.
Serving Temperature: This stew is best served hot over a bed of rice, bringing together the warmth and comfort of a true Nigerian Chicken Stew.

Storage Tips for Nigerian Chicken Stew

Fridge: Store your Nigerian Chicken Stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making leftover meals even more enjoyable!
Freezer: This stew freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Pour into freezer-safe containers and label with the date for easy tracking.
Defrosting: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the stew has thickened too much.
Reheating: For best results, reheat on medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This will help maintain the mouthwatering richness of the stew!

Make Ahead Options

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor its rich flavors even on the busiest days. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, letting it soak in spices for maximum flavor. Additionally, the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy your Nigerian Chicken Stew, just reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the browned chicken, and let it simmer together for about 25-30 minutes until heated through. This method ensures that your stew remains just as delicious while saving you precious time on busy weeknights!

Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own flair into this beloved recipe and make it uniquely yours!

Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or chickpeas for a satisfying plant-based option. This twist brings a whole new medley of flavors to your stew!
Milder Flavor: If spicy isn’t your style, substitute scotch bonnet peppers with sweet bell peppers or reduce the quantity for a deliciously milder version that still sings with flavor.
Lentil Addition: Add cooked lentils to the sauce for an added protein boost and a heartier texture. They soak up the rich flavors beautifully, making it even more filling for the whole family.
Coconut Twist: Stir in a cup of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy texture that adds a gentle sweetness, beautifully complementing the spices. It’s like a tropical vacation in your dish!
Herb Garnish: Try using fresh dill or mint as an aromatic garnish instead of parsley or cilantro. Each herb brings a different, invigorating note that can awaken your stew.
Roasted Veggie Medley: Toss in some roasted sweet potatoes or carrots during the simmer for added sweetness and a wonderful textural contrast. The caramelization enhances each bite, offering a novel experience.
Heat Lovers’ Choice: Jet up the heat with sliced jalapeños added during cooking. They’ll infuse your stew with a lively kick, perfect for those who enjoy a fiery dinner!
Flavor Pairing: Serve this hearty stew with a side of your favorite Butter Chicken Pasta for a fun fusion meal. The combination can genuinely surprise and delight your taste buds!

Let your creativity shine as you customize this dish, making every bite a warm embrace of flavor that speaks to your heart!

What to Serve with Hearty Nigerian Chicken Stew with Spicy Tomato-Pepper Sauce

Imagine a table set for family and friends, filled with warm, inviting dishes that complement the bold flavors of the stew.

Fluffy White Rice: The simplicity of rice absorbs the rich sauce, allowing every bite to be comforting and delectable.
Crispy Fried Plantains: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spicy heat of the stew, adding a delightful texture to your meal.
Boiled Yams: Creamy and nutty, yams balance the spiciness of the stew, creating a heartwarming combination loved by all.
Steamed Broccoli: This green veggie adds a touch of freshness and crunch, brightening up the plate and enhancing the overall presentation.
Nigerian Moi Moi: This savory steamed bean pudding brings a protein boost and a deliciously different texture that enriches your experience.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad: A cool salad offers crunch and moisture, helping to soften the heat of the stew while refreshing the palate.
Zesty Lemonade or Ginger Drink: Refreshing beverages like these can cleanse the palate and provide a lively contrast to the hearty stew.
Coconut Rice: Cooked with coconut milk, this dish adds a tropical twist that harmonizes beautifully with the spice profile of the main dish.

Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right chicken for my stew?
For the most flavorful Nigerian Chicken Stew, I recommend using bone-in chicken as it adds richness to the dish. However, if you’re short on time, boneless cuts will work too—just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly.

How should I store leftovers of Nigerian Chicken Stew?
Absolutely! Store your stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, creating even tastier leftovers!

Can I freeze Nigerian Chicken Stew?
Yes, indeed! This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers, label them with the date, and ensure they are airtight. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce turns out thinner than expected, don’t worry! Continue to simmer it uncovered on low heat. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate, thickening the sauce gradually. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.

Are there any dietary considerations for Nigerian Chicken Stew?
Yes! If someone has a spice sensitivity, consider reducing the amount of scotch bonnet peppers or using milder bell peppers instead. For those following a halal diet, ensure that the chicken is certified halal. This dish can also be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant.

Can I use other types of peppers instead of scotch bonnet?
Very! If you’re looking for less heat, you can use sweet bell peppers or jalapeños as substitutes. However, if you still want some spice, habanero peppers are a close alternative that will retain the authentic flavor essence of your Nigerian Chicken Stew.