Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Simmering with rich spices and vibrant flavors, this Nigerian chicken stew delivers a mouthwatering culinary experience that captures the heart of West African cuisine.

Tender chicken pieces dance in a robust tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic peppers and traditional seasonings.

The recipe brings the warmth of Nigerian kitchens straight to your stovetop, promising an explosion of taste in every bite.

Bold and unapologetically spicy, this stew reflects generations of cooking wisdom passed down through generations.

Onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers form the flavor foundation that makes this dish truly exceptional.

Serve this stew with fluffy white rice or crispy fried plantains for a complete meal that transports you to the bustling streets of Lagos.

Dive into this authentic recipe and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable Nigerian culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Rich and Flavorful

• Chicken Thighs: Rich and tender meat that creates a succulent base for the stew, selecting bone-in cuts adds deeper flavor complexity.
• Bouillon Powder: Intensifies the savory depth and provides concentrated chicken flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper: Vibrant vegetables that create a robust and tangy sauce foundation with natural sweetness and bright color.
• Habanero Pepper: Delivers fiery heat and authentic Nigerian spice intensity, adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base notes and subtle sweetness that balances the stew's robust flavors.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps develop rich flavor layers and prevents sticking.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that introduces subtle herbal undertones and traditional West African cooking complexity.
• Curry Powder: Warm spice blend offering nuanced depth and traditional Nigerian culinary character.
• Black Pepper: Sharp seasoning that adds mild heat and aromatic complexity.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and elevates all ingredient interactions.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid base that introduces additional savory dimensions and helps create perfect stew consistency.

Tools for Cooking Nigerian Chicken Stew the Easy Way

• Large pan: Essential for browning chicken and cooking the stew, with deep sides for simmering.
• Blender: Perfect for creating smooth tomato and pepper sauce, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients safely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable cutting and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cup: Helps control oil and liquid quantities accurately.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing stew ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Tongs: Useful for turning and handling chicken during browning process.
• Mixing bowl: Convenient for seasoning and marinating chicken before cooking.

Instructions to Simmer a Perfect Nigerian Chicken Stew

• Chicken Preparation

Select fresh chicken thighs and season generously with aromatic spices. Allow the meat to absorb flavors while preparing other components of the stew.

• Flavor Building

Create a rich sauce base by blending ripe tomatoes, vibrant peppers, and sweet onions into a smooth, intense mixture. This process develops the stew’s deep, complex flavor profile.

• Searing and Sautéing

Heat oil in a heavy pan and carefully brown chicken pieces until they develop a golden, crispy exterior. Remove and set aside, then quickly sauté chopped onions to release their sweet, caramelized notes.

• Sauce Integration

Pour the blended pepper and tomato mixture into the pan, allowing it to simmer and reduce. This concentrates the sauce’s robust flavors and creates a thick, luxurious texture.

• Final Cooking

Return chicken to the pan, adding traditional Nigerian spices like curry powder and thyme. Gently simmer until the meat becomes incredibly tender and the sauce reaches a perfect, velvety consistency.

Cooking Notes:

The magic of this Nigerian stew lies in its patient preparation and layered seasoning. Each step transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal that tells a story of culinary tradition and vibrant flavors.

Spice Tips for Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipes

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Pepper Power Punch: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of habanero pepper. Swap with jalapeños or remove seeds for a milder version that won't overwhelm your taste buds.
• Protein Playground: Experiment with different meats like beef, goat, or fish. Each protein brings its unique flavor profile to this vibrant Nigerian stew.
• Vegetable Versatility: Toss in extra vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrition and color. Diced potatoes can transform the stew into a heartier meal that fills you up completely.
• Stock Smart: Homemade chicken stock elevates the depth of flavor. If unavailable, use high-quality store-bought stock or dissolve bullion cubes in water for a quick flavor boost.
• Storage Secrets: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of water to restore the perfect sauce consistency.

Ways to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew with Sides

• Comfort Plate Companions: Fluffy white rice creates the perfect base to soak up the rich, spicy stew sauce.
• Cozy Carb Sidekick: Warm crusty bread or traditional Nigerian fufu work wonderfully for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop of the stew.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Crisp cucumber slices, sliced avocado, or a simple green salad provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the stew's intense, spicy flavors.
• Cooling Beverage Pairing: A cold glass of fresh mango juice or Nigerian ginger drink helps balance the stew's heat and complements the meal's robust taste profile.

How to Store Nigerian Chicken Stew for Later Meals

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover Nigerian chicken stew in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep the chicken pieces and sauce together to maintain maximum flavor and moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion the stew into individual meal-sized containers before freezing. These delicious portions will stay good for 2-3 months, providing quick future meals with minimal preparation.
• Reheating Magic Technique: Warm the stew slowly over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce seems too thick. Stir gently to prevent burning and restore the original rich texture.
• Smart Meal Prep Hack: Prepare double the recipe quantity and separate portions for different meals. The stew tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to blend and develop deeper, more complex flavors.

Hearty Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Home cooks discover this hearty Nigerian chicken stew as a spicy, comforting classic from West Africa. Simmered with tomatoes, peppers, and aromatic spices, the dish invites you to savor rich cultural flavors in one memorable meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken stock
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 habanero pepper
• 1 onion
• 1 tsp bouillon powder
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp curry powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Extra salt for chicken rub
• Extra black pepper for chicken rub

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Meticulously cleanse chicken thighs, patting dry and massaging with aromatic seasonings to infuse deep flavor profiles.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a substantial skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully caramelize chicken pieces, creating a golden-brown crust that seals in succulence and develops rich flavor complexities.
3. Create Sauce Base: Remove chicken, then blend tomatoes, bell peppers, habanero, and onion into a vibrant, smooth puree using a high-powered blender.
4. Build Flavor Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté remaining onion until translucent, releasing sweet aromatic notes. Pour in blended mixture, allowing sauce to reduce and concentrate its flavor profile.
5. Combine and Simmer: Return browned chicken to the skillet, introducing chicken stock, bouillon, spices, and herbs. Gently stir to distribute seasonings, then cover and reduce heat to low, allowing the stew to gently simmer and meld flavors.
6. Finalize Dish: Confirm chicken’s tenderness and sauce’s ideal consistency. Adjust seasonings to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor harmony. Optional: Modulate heat intensity by adjusting habanero quantity or selecting milder pepper alternatives.

Notes

• Chicken Prep Power: Pat chicken completely dry to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming, which compromises crispy exterior.
• Browning Brilliance: Achieve golden-brown crust by using high heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet, allowing each piece space to caramelize effectively.
• Pepper Potency: Habanero delivers intense heat, so adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance; use gloves when handling to prevent skin irritation.
• Sauce Sophistication: Let sauce simmer uncovered during final stages to concentrate flavors and reach desired thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Nigerian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 36 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg