Description
Nigerian Chicken Stew is a rich, flavorful, tomato-based dish made with fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and well-seasoned chicken. Simmered to perfection, this classic Nigerian recipe pairs beautifully with rice, yams, or bread. A must-try for lovers of bold and hearty meals!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in for best flavor)
- 6 fresh tomatoes
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
- 2 large onions (1 blended, 1 chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup vegetable or palm oil
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and cut the chicken into pieces. Blend the tomatoes, red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, and one onion until smooth. Set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season chicken with salt, black pepper, thyme, curry powder, and one crushed bouillon cube. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Parboil and Fry the Chicken: In a pot, add the seasoned chicken with a little water. Cook until tender. Remove and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the Stew Base: In the same oil, sauté chopped onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the blended tomato mixture and cook until the moisture evaporates and the oil separates, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in more curry powder, thyme, bay leaves, and the remaining bouillon cube. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add fried chicken and mix well. Pour in broth or water and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest before serving
Notes
- Healthier Option: Use grilled or boiled chicken instead of frying.
- Spicier Version: Add extra Scotch bonnet peppers.
- Richer Flavor: Use palm oil for an authentic taste.
- Seafood Twist: Substitute chicken with fish or shrimp.
- Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots or bell peppers for more texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: nigerian
Keywords: Nigerian Chicken Stew, West African Stew, Tomato Stew, Nigerian Cuisine, Spicy Chicken Stew