Nigerian Chicken Stew

Name: Nigerian Chicken Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 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; 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

kate

Update : February 26, 2026

A bowl of Nigerian chicken stew with vibrant vegetables and spices.

Why Make This Recipe

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Nigerian cuisine. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home. This stew pairs well with rice, plantains, or other side dishes, making it a versatile choice. It’s also quite easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew

Ingredients

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
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

Directions

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on both sides, then set them aside.
Blend the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mixture.
In the same skillet, fry the tomato paste for 2 minutes. Add the blended sauce, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for about 10 minutes.
Add garlic powder, ginger powder, bouillon cube, and salt to the pot, stirring everything to combine well.
Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer on low for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the stew has thickened.
Serve hot with white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice.

How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew

Serve your Nigerian Chicken Stew hot, alongside a scoop of white rice or fried plantains. It can also be enjoyed with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch.

How to Store Nigerian Chicken Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew

For added flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, even overnight if possible.
Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer scotch bonnet peppers based on your preference.
Use fresh spices whenever possible for the best flavor.
If it seems too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Variation

You can customize this stew by adding vegetables such as carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition. You can also use different cuts of chicken, like breasts, but bone-in pieces are ideal for deeper flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in chicken typically offers more flavor.

2. What if I don’t have scotch bonnet peppers?
If you can’t find scotch bonnet peppers, you can use habanero peppers or reduce the heat by omitting them entirely.

3. Is Nigerian Chicken Stew spicy?
The spice level depends on the amount of scotch bonnet peppers you use. Adjust according to your heat preference.