Nigerian Chicken Stew is a dish that embodies the heart of Nigerian cuisine, packed with flavors and spices that create an unforgettable meal. This richly spiced, tomato-based stew is made with tender chicken, blended peppers, and bold African seasonings. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. Perfectly paired with rice, yams, or plantains, this stew is a staple that showcases the beauty of Nigerian cooking and culture.
Why You’ll Love This Nigerian Chicken Stew
This Nigerian Chicken Stew is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Rich and bold flavors that make each bite exciting.
- Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
- Pairs well with various sides like rice, yams, and plantains.
- Easy Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe that anyone can follow.
- Can be made spicy or mild based on preference.
- Utilizes authentic Nigerian Chicken Stew ingredients that are easy to find.
- Offers a healthy option for chicken lovers, as it’s gluten-free.
- Great as a meal prep dish for busy weeks.
Ingredients for Nigerian Chicken Stew
Gather these items:
- 2.5 to 3 lbs chicken (cut into pieces; bone-in preferred)
- 4 large Roma tomatoes
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1–2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (to taste)
- 2 large onions (1 for blending, 1 for sautéing)
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil or palm oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2–3 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Water, as needed
How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Season chicken with salt, black pepper, thyme, curry powder, and 1 seasoning cube. Add water and boil for about 20 minutes. Reserve the stock.
- Step 2: For deeper flavor and texture, fry or grill the cooked chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- Step 3: Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, 1 onion, and Scotch bonnets until smooth.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a pot, sauté chopped onion until soft, add tomato paste, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Pour in blended mixture and cook for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Add thyme, curry, bay leaves, seasoning cubes, garlic powder (optional), and salt. Pour in some reserved chicken stock and stir.
- Step 6: Return fried chicken to the stew and simmer for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 7: Adjust salt and spice as desired.
- Step 8: Enjoy hot with rice, yam, plantains, bread, or traditional African sides.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Nigerian Chicken Stew
Keep these in mind:
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust the number of Scotch bonnets based on your spice preference.
- For a richer taste, allow the stew to simmer longer.
- Consider adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Best Ways to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew
This stew is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Serve it with steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal.
- Pair it with fried plantains for a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Enjoy with yam or traditional Nigerian fufu for a hearty combination.
How to Store and Reheat Nigerian Chicken Stew
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for longer storage. When reheating, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nigerian Chicken Stew
What’s the secret to perfect Nigerian Chicken Stew?
The secret lies in the slow cooking and the right balance of spices. Using fresh ingredients and allowing the stew to simmer enhances the flavors, making it richer and more aromatic.
Can I make Nigerian Chicken Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Nigerian Chicken Stew?
To avoid mistakes, make sure to properly season the chicken and avoid overcooking the tomatoes, which can make the stew taste bitter. Adjust spices to your taste, and don’t rush the cooking process.
Variations of Nigerian Chicken Stew You Can Try
There are several delicious variations to explore:
- Healthy Nigerian Chicken Stew Options: Use skinless chicken and reduce the oil for a lighter version.
- Nigerian Chicken Stew with Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots and green beans for added nutrients.
- Quick Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe: Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Nigerian Chicken Curry: Incorporate curry spices for a different flavor profile.
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about traditional Nigerian dishes, visit this Nigerian Food TV.
For a great side dish, consider making homemade tomato sauce to complement your stew.
Print
Nigerian Chicken Stew: 7 Bold Flavors You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A richly spiced, tomato-based Nigerian Chicken Stew made with tender chicken, blended peppers, aromatics, and bold African seasonings. This hearty comfort meal is perfect with rice, yams, or plantains.
Ingredients
- 2.5 to 3 lbs chicken (cut into pieces; bone-in preferred)
- 4 large Roma tomatoes
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1–2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (to taste)
- 2 large onions (1 for blending, 1 for sautéing)
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil or palm oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2–3 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, thyme, curry powder, and 1 seasoning cube. Add water and boil for about 20 minutes. Reserve the stock.
- For deeper flavor and texture, fry or grill the cooked chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, 1 onion, and Scotch bonnets until smooth.
- Heat oil in a pot, sauté chopped onion until soft, add tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes. Pour in blended mixture and cook 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Add thyme, curry, bay leaves, seasoning cubes, garlic powder (optional), and salt. Pour in some reserved chicken stock and stir.
- Return fried chicken to the stew and simmer 10–15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Adjust salt and spice as desired.
- Enjoy hot with rice, yam, plantains, bread, or traditional African sides.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust the number of Scotch bonnets based on your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Leave a Reply