Name: Nigerian Chicken Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Nigerian / West African
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs; 3 tomatoes; 1 red bell pepper; 1 habanero pepper (use ½ for less spice); ½ cup olive oil; 1 cup chicken stock (broth); 1 onion; 1 teaspoon bouillon powder; ½ teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Extra salt and black pepper for the chicken rub

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Nigerian Chicken Stew is bursting with bold, spicy flavors that are comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prep and can easily be paired with a variety of sides. The recipe is easy to follow and delivers a delicious dish with minimal effort. Whether you like your stews spicy or mild, you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs chicken thighs
3 tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
1 habanero pepper (use ½ if you don’t want it too spicy)
½ cup olive oil
1 cup chicken stock (broth)
1 onion
1 teaspoon bouillon powder
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon salt
Extra salt and black pepper for the chicken rub

Directions

Rub the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, and set them aside.
Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken thighs on each side for about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Blend tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, and half of the onion (leave the other half whole for later).
In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Add the blended mixture and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken thighs back into the pan, along with chicken stock, bouillon powder, curry powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

You can use chicken drumsticks or a mix of both chicken thighs and drumsticks.
Adjust the heat by using less habanero pepper or substitute with cayenne pepper for a different flavor.
To make it less oily, you can use less olive oil or use an air fryer to brown the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast for this recipe?

While you can use chicken breast, dark meat like chicken thighs is preferred as it holds its shape better in the stew and doesn’t break apart as easily.

How do I reduce the spiciness of the stew?

To make it less spicy, reduce the number of habanero peppers or use only half of one. You can also substitute with cayenne pepper for a different heat level.

Can I use an air fryer to brown the chicken?

Yes, you can! Air-fry the chicken at 390°F for about 10 minutes on each side for crispy chicken without the need to monitor it closely.

What can I serve this stew with?

Nigerian Chicken Stew pairs well with rice, plantains, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with noodles or fried yam.

How long can I store the stew in the fridge?

The stew will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the Nigerian chicken stew?

Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Can I use a different oil for cooking?

Yes, while olive oil works well for its mild flavor, you can substitute with other oils like vegetable oil or coconut oil.

How do I thicken the stew if it is too watery?

If the stew turns out too watery, let it simmer for a little longer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this Nigerian Chicken Stew is keto-friendly, especially when served with cauliflower rice or other low-carb options.

Can I use other meats in this stew?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats like turkey, goat, or beef for a different variation of the stew.

Conclusion

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a versatile and flavorful dish that offers a spicy, savory taste with tender chicken. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead for meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Adjust the spice levels to your liking and enjoy this delicious dish with a variety of sides!