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Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

A flavorful and spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew featuring bone-in chicken simmered in a rich, homemade tomato and pepper sauce. Perfectly seasoned with traditional spices and served best with rice or plantains.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 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

For the Tomato-Pepper Sauce:

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until smooth to create the tomato-pepper sauce.
  4. Cook the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, fry the tomato paste for 2 minutes over medium heat to deepen the flavor. Then add the blended tomato-pepper mixture, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
  5. Season the Stew: Add garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and salt to the sauce. Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly.
  6. Simmer: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, submerge in the sauce, and simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and the stew has thickened nicely.
  7. Serve: Serve the Nigerian Chicken Stew hot alongside white rice, fried plantains, or alternative sides such as cauliflower rice for a wholesome meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers based on your desired spice level; use one for milder heat.
  • Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes can deepen the flavor even more.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer a little longer or mash some of the cooked tomato pieces.
  • Use fresh ingredients for the sauce to get the most authentic taste.
  • Bone-in chicken yields more flavor, but skinless chicken pieces can be used for a leaner option.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/nigerian-chicken-stew-recipe/