Description
Nigerian Chicken Stew is a richly spiced tomato-based stew featuring tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fiery scotch bonnet peppers. A staple in West African cuisine, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect served with rice, yams, or plantains.
Ingredients
2.5 to 3 lbs chicken (drumsticks or mixed parts)
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
4 large tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
1 medium onion (divided)
2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to spice preference)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, and thyme. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Boil the chicken with the marinade and a splash of water until cooked through. Set the stock aside. Fry or grill the chicken until golden brown.
- Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, scotch bonnets, and half the onion until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot and sauté the remaining sliced onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then pour in the blended tomato mixture. Cook for 20–25 minutes on medium heat, stirring often, until thickened and oil rises to the top.
- Add the reserved chicken stock, bouillon powder, white pepper, optional nutmeg, and salt. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken to the stew and simmer for another 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, boiled yams, or fried plantains.
Notes
Use turkey or goat meat instead of chicken for variation.
Reduce scotch bonnets or substitute with milder chilies for less heat.
Grill tomatoes and peppers before blending for a smoky flavor.
Add spinach or green bell peppers toward the end for extra color and nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
