Name: Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs; Salt (for rub, to taste); Black pepper (for rub, to taste); 3 tomatoes; 1 red bell pepper; 1 habanero pepper (use 1/2 if you prefer less spicy); 1 onion (divided); 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 cup chicken stock (broth); 1 tsp bouillon powder; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp curry powder; 1/2 tsp salt (plus extra to taste)

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that bursts with vibrant aromas and rich colors, then you’re in for a treat with this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe. This stew is a beloved classic that combines tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious tomato and pepper base, spiked with just the right amount of heat from habanero, accented by aromatic spices. Whether you’re looking to bring a glimpse of Nigerian home cooking to your table or simply want to explore a new world of flavors, this recipe promises a satisfying and deeply comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or catching up with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of three clear glass bowls and a white plate on a white marbled surface. The first glass bowl contains raw chicken pieces with pale pink and white skin tones. The second glass bowl holds a light brown liquid, appearing thin and translucent. The white plate holds four red tomatoes, one red bell pepper, and a white onion, with the tomatoes and pepper showing smooth, shiny textures. A small lime green cup is also placed on the surface, with no visible contents. A woman's hand is reaching towards the glass bowls from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity and the impact of each essential ingredient. Every item in your pantry plays a pivotal role in creating layers of flavor, from the juicy tomatoes to the fragrant spices, and the sizzling olive oil that brings everything together beautifully.

Chicken thighs: Use 2 pounds for tender, juicy meat that soaks up the stew’s flavors perfectly.
Tomatoes: Three fresh tomatoes add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the stew.
Red bell pepper: One whole pepper brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Habanero pepper: Use one for authentic heat or half if you prefer it milder without losing the signature kick.
Olive oil: Half a cup is essential for frying and layering richness in the stew.
Chicken stock (broth): One cup adds a savory, comforting base that elevates the stew’s richness.
Onion: One onion, divided to flavor the sauté and be blended into the sauce, adds sweetness and body.
Bouillon powder: One teaspoon amplifies the umami punch and balances the flavors.
Thyme: Half a teaspoon adds a subtle herbaceous hint that brightens each bite.
Black pepper: Half a teaspoon inside the stew, plus extra for seasoning the chicken, provides warmth and spice.
Curry powder: Half a teaspoon brings an exotic, earthy note that complements the other spices.
Salt: Half a teaspoon for seasoning, plus extra to rub on the chicken, ensures every component is perfectly seasoned.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Preparing and Seasoning the Chicken

Start by washing your chicken thighs and patting them dry to ensure they brown nicely. Rub them generously with salt and black pepper to infuse the meat with flavor right from the start. This seasoning creates a delightful crust once cooked, locking in the juices for tender, juicy chicken.

Step 2: Browning the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot oil and brown them, cooking about 10 minutes on each side. This step develops a deep, caramelized flavor that forms the savory backbone of your stew.

Step 3: Chopping and Blending

While the chicken cooks, take your onion and cut it in half. Chop one half finely; you’ll use this for sautéing. Reserve the other half to blend. Next, combine the tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, and the other half of the onion in a blender until smooth. This fresh, vibrant mixture is the heart of the stew’s rich sauce.

Step 4: Sautéing the Onions and Building the Base

After removing the browned chicken from the pan, use the remaining oil to sauté the chopped onions until translucent and fragrant. Then, pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture. Let this cook and boil gently for about 5 minutes to reduce the raw edge and thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Final Simmering With Spices and Chicken

Return the browned chicken back to the pan alongside the chicken stock, bouillon powder, black pepper, curry powder, and thyme. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for around 20 minutes. This slow simmer lets the chicken finish cooking and absorb all the dazzling flavors, creating a stew that’s packed with depth and warmth.

How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron pan below the center filled with four large pieces of fried chicken covered in a thick, bright red sauce with a slightly chunky texture. The sauce glistens with oil and herbs and almost covers the chicken entirely, with reddish-orange oil pooling around the edges. To the lower right of the pan, there is a white bowl with a light blue rim filled with plain white rice that has a fluffy texture. The pan and bowl are placed on a wooden surface, and in the upper right corner, a white cloth napkin with soft folds is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro can brighten the presentation and add a fresh contrast to the deep, rich flavors of the stew. A squeeze of lime on the side works wonders too if you want a citrusy twist.

Side Dishes

Nigerian Chicken Stew shines served with fluffy white rice, pounded yam, or even a simple side of boiled plantains. These staples are perfect for soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce, making your meal truly unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just shake things up, try serving the stew in small earthenware bowls or over a bed of sautéed greens. You can also garnish with thin slices of fresh chili for a spicy pop or a dollop of cooling yogurt to balance the heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Nigerian Chicken Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making your next meal just as delicious, if not better.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months and enjoy a convenient homemade meal at a later time.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw frozen stew overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce perfect.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs are preferred for this stew because they remain juicy and tender after the slow cooking process. Chicken breast tends to dry out and may not absorb the flavors as well.

Is it necessary to use habanero pepper?

Habanero adds the authentic spiciness that defines the stew, but you can adjust the amount or substitute with milder chili peppers to suit your heat preference without compromising flavor.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

While traditional Nigerian Chicken Stew centers on chicken, you can adapt the recipe by using hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and replacing chicken stock with vegetable broth for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How spicy is this stew?

The stew has a pleasant heat level thanks to the habanero, but it’s very customizable. Using half a habanero or removing seeds will tone down the spice without losing the signature flavor.

What can I do with the leftover sauce without chicken?

The sauce is delicious on its own and can be used as a base for other dishes like stewed vegetables, a rich pasta sauce, or a dipping sauce for bread or fried snacks.

Final Thoughts

This Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s an invitation to savor the joyous complexity of Nigerian flavors with a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether you’re new to this cuisine or revisiting a beloved classic, I promise it will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness. So why not give it a go and bring a little taste of Nigeria to your dinner table tonight?

Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe