Created on December 14th, 2025 at 12:11 pm
A comforting and flavorful classic
Nigerian chicken stew is a vibrant dish that embodies the heart of West African cooking. This stew features tender chicken simmered in a rich, peppery sauce, accented by the warmth of spices and the sweetness of tomatoes. The colors of the stew, with its fiery reds and deep browns, entice the senses while the aroma wafts invitingly through the kitchen, promising warmth and comfort. It’s a dish that can easily become a staple, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and nourishing.
What makes this stew truly special is not just its depth of flavor, but also the way it captures the essence of home-cooked meals. With tender chicken simmered to perfection, this stew brings warmth to the table and can be served with various sides to suit your palate. It holds a place of honor in many Nigerian households because of its comforting nature and universal appeal, making it a go-to recipe for both the novice cook and the experienced chef.
Why This Recipe Works
This Nigerian chicken stew is a versatile dish that marries simplicity with bold flavor. The secret lies in the balance of spices and the slow simmering process that infuses the sauce with rich layers of taste. Each bite features tender chicken that absorbs the aromatic flavors, while the base of tomatoes, onions, and peppers creates a beautifully textured sauce that clings to rice or bread.
Another reason this stew shines is its adaptability. You can easily modify it based on the ingredients you have on hand or your preferred spice level. Serve it with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or even plantain to soak up the hearty sauce. As a bonus, the stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for leftovers.
Time Breakdown
Creating this savory stew is surprisingly quick and requires minimal hands-on time, making it a perfect fit for busy days or weeknight meals. Most of the cooking involves letting the chicken absorb all the beautiful flavors while you attend to other tasks.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients List
- 1.5 lbs (approximately 680 g) chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 large tomatoes, blended
- 2–3 tablespoons red bell pepper, blended
- 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers, blended (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1–2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools
This recipe keeps things straightforward and easy to navigate with the essential kitchen tools you probably already own.
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing an inviting aroma into the kitchen.
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and blended pepper mixture (tomatoes and bell peppers) to the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should reduce a little and become thicker while the vibrant colors deepen.
Stir in the thyme and add salt to taste. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. The chicken will become tender, and the sauce will thicken further.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if desired. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like.
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in some spices and oil for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the number of Scotch bonnet peppers according to your spice tolerance.
- This stew enhances the next day after the flavors meld overnight, making it a perfect dish for meal prep.
- Serve with plenty of sides like rice or plantains to enjoy the full flavor.
Simple Comfort with Bold Flavors
This Nigerian chicken stew encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort food. It combines tender chicken with a flavorful sauce that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Its adaptability allows it to shine in various settings—from family dinners to casual gatherings. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, this dish proves that hearty meals don’t have to be complicated. Keep it in your recipe rotation for the days when you crave warmth and comfort without the fuss.
What to Serve With Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
What to serve with Nigerian Chicken Stew can enhance the entire eating experience. Traditionally, rice is a favored side, allowing the soft grains to soak up the rich, peppery sauce. Jollof rice, with its spiced tomato base, can be a delightful pairing that complements the stew’s flavor profile beautifully.
Fried plantains also make an excellent accompaniment. Their natural sweetness provides a nice contrast to the savory stew and offers a pleasant texture. For a refreshing touch, consider serving a side salad or some steamed vegetables, which will lighten the meal and balance the often-rich flavors of the stew.
Finally, bread—whether it’s a crusty baguette or soft pita—can be perfect for scooping up the stew. The bread absorbs the sauce and enhances your experience, creating a lush, satisfying meal.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Nigerian Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Chicken and Base Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 large tomatoes blended
- 2-3 tablespoons red bell pepper, blended
- 1-2 pieces Scotch bonnet peppers, blended (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1-2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- to taste Salt
- Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and blended pepper mixture (tomatoes and bell peppers) to the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the thyme and add salt to taste. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, cover and cook for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices if desired. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like.
Notes
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