Description
Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is a rich, tomato-based dish bursting with bold flavors, tender chicken, and aromatic spices. This beloved West African classic delivers deep heat and smoky undertones, making it a comforting, satisfying meal when served with rice, plantains, or yams — a true taste of Nigeria’s culinary soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pepper Blend:
- 6 medium tomatoes
- 2 red bell peppers
- 3 scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros)
- 1 large onion
- For the Stew Base:
- 2 lbs (900 g) chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or wings)
- 1 cup vegetable or palm oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Additions: Chicken liver, smoked paprika, or a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Pepper Mix: Blend tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnets, and onion until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season with salt, pepper, curry, and thyme. Fry in hot oil until golden or boil until tender. Set aside.
- Fry the Pepper Sauce: In the same oil, sauté tomato paste for 2–3 minutes, then add the blended pepper mix. Cook 20–25 minutes on medium heat, stirring until thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add cooked chicken to the sauce along with garlic, ginger, paprika, and bouillon. Simmer 10–15 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning and cook until oil rises to the top. Serve hot with rice, yams, or plantains.
Notes
- Adjust spice: Use fewer scotch bonnets for a milder version or more for extra heat.
- Simmer patiently: Slow cooking enhances flavor depth.
- Oil separation: When the oil floats on top, your stew is perfectly done.
- Make ahead: Tastes even better the next day as flavors blend.
- Storage: Keeps 5 days in fridge or 3 months frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Nigerian Chicken Stew, Spicy Chicken Stew, West African Stew, Obe Ata Din Din, Tomato Chicken Stew, African Recipes, Chicken and Pepper Stew, Jollof Side Dish, Nigerian Comfort Food, African Dinner Ideas