Name: Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs; Extra salt and black pepper for chicken rub; 3 tomatoes; 1 red bell pepper; 1 habanero pepper (use ½ if you prefer less spicy); 1 onion (divided); ½ cup olive oil; 1 cup chicken stock (broth); 1 teaspoon bouillon powder; ½ teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon curry powder; ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 34 reviews

If you have a passion for vibrant, flavorful dishes that hug your soul with every bite, then this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is just what you need on your culinary radar. This stew brings together tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce made from fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, and a touch of habanero for that perfect kick. Combining warmth, spice, and a gorgeous deep red hue, this dish is a superstar comfort meal that effortlessly captures the essence of West African cooking. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned fan, this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a clear glass bowl contains raw chicken thighs with skin, showing a light pink and yellow color. To the right, a smaller clear glass bowl holds light brown chicken stock. On the bottom left, a small white bowl with a spout has bright yellow olive oil. The larger white plate on the bottom right has three red tomatoes, a dark red bell pepper to their right, a small round yellow habanero pepper near the tomatoes, and a whole brown onion on the lower edge of the plate. Each item is clearly visible with a clean, fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, essential ingredients that deliver pure, vibrant flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of taste, texture, and color, creating a stew that’s as comforting as it is exciting.

2 lbs chicken thighs: Choose bone-in for juiciness and richer flavor.
3 tomatoes: Fresh and ripe for a naturally sweet base in the sauce.
1 red bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the stew.
1 habanero pepper (use ½ if preferred mild): The heat star of the dish that brings a fiery warmth.
½ cup olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and creates a silky stew base.
1 cup chicken stock (broth): Deepens the stew’s savoriness and keeps it juicy.
1 onion: Both for sautéing and blending, adds sweetness and rich aroma.
1 teaspoon bouillon powder: Boosts the umami flavor, elevating the overall taste.
½ teaspoon thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that balances the spice.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and depth.
½ teaspoon curry powder: Introduces a subtle complexity with warm spices.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Extra salt and black pepper for the chicken rub: Ensures the chicken is seasoned to perfection before cooking.

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by washing and thoroughly patting dry your chicken thighs to ensure they brown nicely. Then rub them generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning will infuse the chicken with flavor right from the start, making every bite deliciously savory.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on each side, about 10 minutes per side, until the skin turns golden and crispy. This step seals in the juices and builds a deep, rich flavor that is essential for an authentic Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe.

Step 3: Chop and Blend Your Veggies

While the chicken cooks, chop the onion half into small pieces for sautéing. Then blend together the tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, and the remaining onion half until smooth. This fresh tomato and pepper blend creates the vibrant stew base with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Simmer the Sauce

Remove the browned chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion in the leftover oil until translucent, which releases its natural sweetness. Next, pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture, letting it boil for about 5 minutes to cook off the raw flavor and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Season

Add the browned chicken back into the pan along with the chicken stock, bouillon powder, thyme, black pepper, curry powder, and salt. Stir everything together carefully to coat the chicken in the rich stew sauce, creating a beautiful harmony of spices and textures that define this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe.

Step 6: Let It Simmer

Lower the heat and cook the stew for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld perfectly, producing a stew that is bursting with taste in every mouthful.

How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

The image shows a white plate with two main parts: on the left side is a mound of fluffy, white cauliflower rice with a slightly grainy texture, and on the right side are three pieces of chicken covered in a thick, red tomato-based sauce that looks rich and slightly oily, with visible bits of herbs and spices. The sauce coats the chicken evenly, giving it a shiny, moist appearance. In the background, there is a black cast iron pan filled with more of the red sauce and chicken. The surface beneath the plate and pan is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or coriander adds a bright pop of green and freshness that complements the deep, rich sauce beautifully. For an extra splash of flavor, a sprinkle of fried plantains on top can bring a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

This Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic West African staples like fluffy white rice, soft boiled yams, or creamy mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the luscious sauce perfectly and balance the heat with their mildness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the stew over warm fufu for a traditional touch, or serve it in colorful bowls with a side of sautéed greens for a vibrant, healthful plate. Presenting it family-style invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the communal spirit of sharing great food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover stew in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or stock if it becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the stew’s rich texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are preferred because they remain juicy and tender during the longer cooking time required for Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe. Breasts may dry out.

How spicy is the stew with one whole habanero pepper?

The stew has a noticeable heat that warms you up but is balanced by the sweetness of tomatoes and bell peppers. You can reduce the heat by using half the habanero if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I make this stew using canned tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes give the best vibrant color and flavor, but canned tomatoes can be a convenient substitute. Just choose high-quality, unseasoned canned tomatoes for the best results.

Is Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as it primarily consists of fresh vegetables, chicken, and spices without any wheat-based ingredients.

What can I use instead of bouillon powder?

If you don’t have bouillon powder, you can substitute with chicken bouillon cubes, a splash of soy sauce, or simply extra chicken stock, but keep tasting as you go to maintain the right balance.

Final Thoughts

This Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is a treasure trove of flavors and a spoonful of warmth that’s just waiting to be shared with friends and family. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and bold spices make it an unforgettable meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken stew!