Ah, my dear friend, pull up a chair and let me share with you one of my all-time comfort dish loves: Nigerian Chicken Stew. I can still recall the first time I savored this dish at a friend’s mother’s kitchen—a kaleidoscope of flavors that danced around my taste buds like a lively festival. The bright, rich colors, the aromatic spices wafting through the air—it felt like a love letter to my senses. You see, this stew isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why go for takeout when you can whip up something that’s not only heartwarming but also packed with layers of flavor, right in your own kitchen? This Nigerian Chicken Stew is a celebration of spices, heat, and vibrant ingredients, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, rich sauce that boasts the freshness of ripe tomatoes and a hint of fiery scotch bonnet peppers. The addition of curry and thyme brings an aromatic depth that is nothing short of magic. Plus, it’s versatile! Serve it over fragrant white rice or alongside crispy fried plantains for a well-rounded feast that simply radiates comfort.

Not only is this stew a feast for the senses, but it also packs a nutritional punch with protein-rich chicken and antioxidants from the tomatoes and peppers. It’s comfort food that loves you back!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the star players in our culinary production. Each component adds its own flair and character to the dish:

2.5 lbs Bone-in Chicken (Thighs or Drumsticks): This is your canvas—bone-in meat stays juicier and more flavorful than its boneless counterpart.
1 Teaspoon Salt: A must for enhancing all those luscious flavors.
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Just enough to add a whisper of warmth without stealing the spotlight.
1 Teaspoon Paprika: It gives the dish a warm hue and a slight sweetness.
1 Teaspoon Curry Powder: The aromatic treasure that adds an exotic depth you can’t resist.
1 Teaspoon Thyme: A sprinkle of herbaceous freshness to keep things lively.
1 Onion, Chopped: A classic base that adds a sweet and savory flavor.
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil: For searing the chicken and bringing everything together.
4 Large Roma Tomatoes: Freshness alert! These add a bright, tangy flavor.
1 Large Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and vibrant—like sunshine on a plate!
1 Small Red Onion: For that added zing and zest in the stew.
2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Brace yourself! These add fiery heat. Dial them back with just one if you prefer milder flavors.
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste: This will deepen the richness of our stew.
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Because garlic is a friend every dish should have.
1 Teaspoon Ginger Powder: Adds that zesty kick we adore!
1 Bouillon Cube: The umami bomb that will tie the whole dish together.
Salt to taste: For the finishing touches and a little adjustment where necessary.

Feel free to swap in different peppers or adjust spices according to your heat preference—cooking is all about making it your own!

The cooking process explained

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how we transform those lovely ingredients into a scrumptious stew:

Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and half of the chopped onion. Massage those flavors in and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—trust me, this step is pure magic.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, gently add the marinated chicken pieces, browning them nicely on both sides. This step is all about capturing those flavors—don’t skip it! Set aside the browned chicken.
Blend the Veggies: Time to unleash the blender! Toss the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers in and blend until smooth. The sound of this mixture swirling will already get your taste buds tingling with anticipation.
Create the Stew Base: In the same skillet (don’t you dare wash it just yet!), add the tomato paste and fry it for about 2 minutes to intensify its flavor. Now pour in your blended veggie mixture, lower the heat to medium, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and a pinch of salt. Taste to see if it needs more salt, and adjust as necessary.
Combine Everything: Return that beautifully browned chicken to the pot, nestling it in the sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender and the stew thickens beautifully.

Best way to enjoy it

Now, let’s serve this masterpiece! The aromatic chicken stew is best enjoyed piping hot. Serve it over a fluffy bed of white rice, or if you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with crispy fried plantains. The contrast of sweet and savory here is simply divine! You could even toss in some cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Drizzle some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for that extra pop of freshness. Your friends and family might just report back about the delightful aromas wafting through the house!

How to store and freeze

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Nigerian Chicken Stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave until heated through. If you’re looking to save it for a rainy day, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro chef tips

Marinate Longer: If you have a few extra hours or overnight, let the chicken marinate longer. The flavors will be even more incredible!
Double the Recipe: This stew freezes beautifully! If you’re going to make it, consider making a double batch and freezing half for a busy weeknight.
Adjust Heat: Scotch bonnet peppers are hot! If you’re unsure, start with one and gradually add more to taste. You can always slice them in half, adding them whole for flavor but removing them before serving.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Consider adding other veggies like carrots or zucchini to amplify the nutrients and flavor. Or, try swapping the chicken with firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. The world is your oyster—get creative and make this dish your own!

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

Directions to follow

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces until browned on both sides and set aside.
Blend tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and scotch bonnets until smooth.
In the same skillet, fry tomato paste for 2 minutes. Add the blended sauce, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and salt.
Return chicken to the pot and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and stew thickens.

Your questions answered

What If I Don’t Have Scotch Bonnet Peppers?: Use jalapeños or another variety of chili, adjusting to your heat preference.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken?: Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as boneless cuts cook faster.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?: Heat gently on the stove to avoid drying it out, adding a splash of water if needed.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Can I Freeze The Chicken Stew?: Yes, it freezes well! Just portion it out into airtight containers.

With all this talk of flavors and comfort, I hope you feel inspired to try your hand at crafting this delightful Nigerian Chicken Stew. Cooking is a beautiful language of love, so pour your heart into it, savor every moment, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! Let’s turn up the heat in your kitchen!