Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant flavors of West Africa to your table. This stew features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether served with rice, plantains, or yams, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deep, savory taste that captivates the palate.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare.
• Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it with rice, plantains, or cauliflower rice for a meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Hearty Meal: This stew is filling and comforting, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties, this dish will delight everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Nigerian Chicken Stew, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of the chicken and proper sautéing of the sauce ingredients.
• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth sauce that melds all flavors together perfectly.
• Cutting board & Knife: Crucial for safely preparing vegetables and chicken before cooking.

Ingredients

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a rich and deeply flavored West African classic made with seared chicken simmered in a bold tomato and pepper sauce. It is the perfect accompaniment to rice, plantains, or yams for a comforting and hearty meal.

For the Chicken

• 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

For the Sauce

• 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

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the marinated chicken pieces until browned on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Blend together Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

In the same skillet used for searing chicken, fry tomato paste for about 2 minutes. Then add the blended sauce mixture. Reduce heat to medium and cook for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Spices

Add garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and additional salt if needed. Mix well until combined.

Step 6: Simmer with Chicken

Return seared chicken back into the pot. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 25–30 minutes or until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve your delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew hot alongside white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Rice

• White Rice: A classic choice, the fluffiness of white rice complements the rich stew perfectly.
• Jollof Rice: This spicy, flavorful rice dish adds another layer of West African flavor to your meal.
• Fried Rice: Stir-fried with vegetables, this option provides a colorful and tasty accompaniment.

With Plantains

• Fried Plantains: Sweet and crispy, they balance the stew’s heat and add a delightful texture.
• Baked Plantains: A healthier alternative that still offers a sweet contrast to the savory stew.

With Yams

• Boiled Yams: Soft and starchy, boiled yams soak up the sauce beautifully for a hearty experience.
• Yam Pottage: A creamy blend of yams cooked in spices that enhances the flavor profile of your meal.

How to Perfect Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

To make your Nigerian Chicken Stew even more delicious, follow these handy tips for perfection.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight intensifies the flavors.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and peppers provide vibrant flavor and color compared to canned options.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the number of scotch bonnet peppers based on your heat tolerance.
• Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer longer or add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding finely chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving can elevate presentation and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Nigerian Chicken Stew can enhance both flavor and texture. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fried Yam: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, fried yam adds texture to your meal. Slice yams thickly and fry until golden brown.
2. Efo Riro (Vegetable Soup): This rich spinach-based soup is nutritious and balances the heartiness of the stew well.
3. Moi Moi (Steamed Bean Pudding): Made from blended beans, this dish is protein-packed and pairs excellently with stews.
4. Nkwobi (Cow Foot Dish): A spicy delicacy that’s rich in flavor; serves as an adventurous side option.
5. Okra Soup: Its slimy texture complements stews nicely; serve it alongside for a unique twist.
6. Rice Balls (Ogi or Eko): These smooth rice balls are perfect for dipping into stew and soaking up flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Nigerian Chicken Stew can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland stew. Ensure you marinate the chicken with enough spices before cooking.

• Bold blending: Over-blending the vegetables can create a watery sauce. Blend until smooth, but avoid making it too thin.

• Bold simmering: Cooking on too high heat may cause the stew to scorch. Always maintain a low simmer to allow flavors to develop without burning.

• Bold timing: Skipping the marination step can diminish flavor depth. Allow at least 30 minutes for marinating to enhance taste.

• Bold storage: Storing in inappropriate containers can affect freshness. Use airtight containers for refrigerator or freezer storage to keep your stew flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe that might help you get started or troubleshoot any issues:

How can I adjust the spice level in my Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe?

You can decrease or increase the number of scotch bonnet peppers according to your heat preference. For milder stew, use just one pepper or remove seeds before blending.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken is an option. Just reduce cooking time as it cooks faster compared to bone-in pieces.

What should I serve with Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe?

This stew pairs wonderfully with white rice, fried plantains, or yams for a complete meal that’s filling and delicious.

Is this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This stew stores well and flavors often improve after freezing and reheating, making it ideal for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Nigerian Chicken Stew is not only rich in flavor but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Give this delicious recipe a try and enjoy its comforting warmth!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Nigerian Chicken Stew

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe. This delicious dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings. The delightful blend of spices creates a savory and aromatic stew that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Serve it alongside fluffy rice, crispy plantains, or hearty yams for a comforting meal that will warm your heart. With easy preparation steps and accessible ingredients, you can bring a taste of authentic Nigerian cuisine to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the marinated chicken pieces until browned on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Blend together Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers until smooth.
4. In the same skillet used for searing chicken, fry tomato paste for about 2 minutes. Then add the blended sauce mixture. Reduce heat to medium and cook for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Add garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and additional salt if needed. Mix well until combined.
6. Return seared chicken back into the pot. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 25–30 minutes or until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
7. Serve your delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew hot alongside white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice for an unforgettable meal!

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: West African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg