Name: Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 onion, chopped; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 4 large Roma tomatoes; 1 large red bell pepper; 1 small red onion; 2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 bouillon cube; Salt to taste

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a flavorful and hearty dish known for its rich tomato and pepper base blended with fragrant spices. This comforting stew pairs perfectly with rice or plantains, offering a delicious taste of West African cuisine right in your kitchen.

A close-up of a black skillet filled with rich, bright red-orange oily sauce as the base layer, topped with three pieces of grilled chicken drumsticks and thighs showing crispy, golden-brown, and slightly charred skin, creating a textured look. On the left side, there is a neat mound of white rice with slightly visible grains packed tightly. The skillet is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large Roma tomatoes
1 large red bell pepper
1 small red onion
2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 bouillon cube
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onion. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until they are browned on both sides, then set them aside.
Step 3: Blend the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mixture.
Step 4: In the same skillet, fry the tomato paste for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then add the blended tomato and pepper sauce, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add garlic powder, ginger powder, the bouillon cube, and salt to the sauce. Stir well to combine all the seasonings.
Step 6: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the stew has thickened to your liking.
Step 7: Serve the hot Nigerian chicken stew with white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice for a wholesome meal.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or substitute with milder chili peppers.
Use boneless chicken if you prefer quicker cooking, though bone-in adds more flavor.
Add chopped vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Simmer the stew longer for deeper flavor and thicker sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Nigerian chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. The flavors deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

How to Serve

The dish shows a black cast iron pan filled with a vibrant deep orange sauce that has a creamy texture, covering the bottom. On the right side are seven pieces of grilled chicken with dark char marks, cooked to a golden brown with a slightly crispy surface and sprinkled with small green herb bits. On the left side of the pan, there is a neat mound of fluffy white rice topped with a small amount of finely chopped green herbs. The pan rests on a white plate, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than bone-in pieces.

What can I serve with Nigerian chicken stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with white rice, fried plantains, boiled yams, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.