Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Oh, if you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe the moment it starts simmering on your stove. There’s something about the rich, spicy tomato and pepper sauce enveloping tender chicken pieces that just hits all the right comfort-food notes. I find it perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress without fussing too much in the kitchen.

This stew is special because it combines bold West African flavors with simple ingredients you can find pretty easily. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Nigerian cuisine, this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding to make. Trust me, once you master it, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is how all these flavors work together — smoky, spicy, sweet, and savory. When shopping, make sure to pick fresh tomatoes and peppers, as they really make the sauce pop.

• Bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks): Using bone-in pieces really adds depth to the flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness.
• Paprika: Gives color and a mild smoky taste.
• Curry powder: The secret touch for warmth and complexity.
• Thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Onion (for marinating and sauce): Adds sweetness and savoriness.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that’s perfect for frying and simmering the stew.
• Roma tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and firmness make a rich stew base.
• Red bell pepper: Balances heat with a natural sweetness.
• Scotch bonnet peppers: Go easy with these if you’re sensitive to heat — they pack a punch!
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor making the sauce thick and luscious.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering.
• Ginger powder: Brightens the sauce and complements the spices.
• Bouillon cube: Enhances the umami and ties all the flavors together.

Variations

I love that you can tweak this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe to suit your tastes or pantry. Sometimes I swap out the scotch bonnet for milder chili or add smoked paprika for a different flavor twist. Feel free to make it your own!

• Use boneless chicken: If you want it quick and easy, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work, just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
• Add vegetables: Toss in carrots or green beans for more texture and color — it’s great for dinner parties.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your bouillon cubes for hidden ingredients.
• Control the heat: Adjust scotch bonnet peppers to your heat preference or try using one chili pepper instead of two.

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken

Start by cleaning and patting dry your chicken pieces. In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and half the chopped onion. Rub this seasoning all over your chicken and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. I usually marinate overnight when I have time — it makes the meat so flavorful and tender.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Lock in Flavor

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until they’re golden brown on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of fry. This step gives the stew a rich depth, so take your time here — about 10 minutes should do.

Step 3: Make the Tomato-Pepper Sauce

While the chicken fries, blend your tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers until smooth. Pour a little oil in a clean pan and fry your blended mixture, stirring often. Add tomato paste, garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and salt to taste. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and deepens in color — this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Put your fried chicken back into the pan with the sauce, stir gently to coat the chicken well. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully. You’ll see the sauce thicken and intensify, and your kitchen will smell amazing.

How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top to brighten the dish. A few slices of fresh red onion on the side add a nice crunch and a little heat contrast. These small touches make the stew feel fresh and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe shines when paired with traditional sides like fluffy white rice, jollof rice, or even pounded yam if you want to go authentic. For a simple weeknight meal, steamed vegetables or fried plantains complement the stew perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in a beautiful clay pot with colorful garnishes and accompanied by spicy fried potatoes. It’s always a conversation starter and looks so inviting on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, store any leftover Nigerian Chicken Stew in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts well for about 3 to 4 days. I recommend letting it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh.

Freezing

If you want to meal prep, this stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When I’m busy, I love having this ready to thaw and reheat — it tastes just as good!

Reheating

When reheating Nigerian Chicken Stew, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for long spells as it can dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings people together — the bold flavors spark conversation and the warmth feeds both body and soul. If you’re craving a dish that’s flavorful yet forgiving for any skill level, trust me, this stew is for you. Give it a try, and I bet it will comfort you on a busy weeknight or shine at your next gathering!

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