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A bowl of delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew with vegetables and spices

Nigerian Chicken Stew

A flavorful and hearty dish that captures the essence of West African cuisine, combining tender chicken with fresh vegetables and a blend of spices.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Nigerian, West African
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken, cut into pieces
  • 4 large tomatoes, chopped Fresh tomatoes preferred
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped Adjust to your spice preference
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 inches ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • to taste salt
  • optional Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Season the chicken with salt, thyme, and curry powder. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper, cooking until soft and the tomatoes break down, about 10-15 minutes.
  • In a separate pan, sear the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Cooking

  • Once the tomato mixture is cooked, add the seared chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
  • Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  • Add the Scotch bonnet peppers according to your heat preference, and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  • Adjust the salt to taste and let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving.

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Notes

For richer flavors, marinate the chicken overnight. Ensure tomatoes break down well; blending them helps achieve a smoother consistency. Adjust spice levels as needed. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Consider slow cooking for enhanced flavors.
Keyword Chicken Stew, Comfort Food, Nigerian Chicken Stew, spicy stew, West African stew