Description
Nigerian Chicken Stew is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a vibrant tomato and pepper sauce, infused with a blend of aromatic spices. This hearty stew delivers authentic Nigerian flavors with a perfect balance of heat and aroma, making it a versatile and soul-satisfying meal ideal for serving with rice, fufu, or flatbreads.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 kg bone-in chicken pieces
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 seasoning cubes or equivalent bouillon powder
- 1 tbsp garlic paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp ginger paste (natural)
Stew Base
- 4 large fresh tomatoes
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1–2 scotch bonnet or chili peppers (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
Additional Ingredients
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Rinse chicken pieces thoroughly and pat dry. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, seasoning cubes, garlic paste, and ginger paste. Let rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Blend the Pepper and Tomato Mixture: Place fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, onion, scotch bonnet or chili peppers, and garlic into a blender. Blend until smooth to create the vibrant stew base.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Stew Base: Carefully pour out excess oil from the pot, leaving a small amount for frying the blended sauce. Add the blended pepper and tomato mixture and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring regularly to reduce moisture and prevent burning.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the pot, ensuring it is submerged. Cover and simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Final Touches: Check consistency and add a splash of water if the stew is too thick. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes and peppers for the richest flavor.
- Simmer stew gently to develop depth of flavor and tenderize chicken.
- Brown chicken pieces well to enhance moisture and taste.
- Adjust chili pepper quantity to your spice preference.
- Keep a good amount of oil to enrich the stew’s texture and mouthfeel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Nigerian Chicken Stew, Chicken Stew, Nigerian cuisine, Spicy chicken stew, African stew
