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 the chicken rub; 3 tomatoes; 1 red bell pepper; 1 habanero pepper (use ½ if you prefer less heat); 1 onion (cut in half, one half chopped, one half whole for blending); 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 3 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe. Bursting with rich, savory flavors from perfectly simmered tomatoes, peppers, and tender chicken thighs, this stew is a beloved West African classic that’s both irresistibly comforting and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it up with rice, yam, or even bread, the vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little bit of Nigeria straight into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there is a clear bowl with raw chicken thighs that are pale pink with some white skin visible. To the right of it, there is another clear bowl filled with light brown chicken stock. Below these bowls, there is a white plate holding three red tomatoes, one small orange habanero pepper, a large red bell pepper, and a brown onion. To the bottom left of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with yellow olive oil. Each ingredient is labeled with white text on the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh ingredients are at the heart of this recipe, each bringing its own magic to every spoonful. From the juicy tomatoes that give the stew its signature red hue to the spices that lend warm, complex notes, these ingredients work together like best friends making delicious memories.

2 lbs chicken thighs: Choose bone-in for extra flavor and juiciness in the stew.
3 tomatoes: Ripe and juicy tomatoes are essential for a rich, vibrant stew base.
1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
1 habanero pepper: Delivers that signature kick—use half if you prefer mild heat.
½ cup olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies, adding depth and richness.
1 cup chicken stock (broth): Boosts the savory flavor and keeps the stew luscious and saucy.
1 onion: Chopped for sautéing and blended for the stew’s base to build layers of flavor.
1 teaspoon bouillon powder: Intensifies the umami taste, giving body to the stew.
½ teaspoon thyme: For subtle herbal undertones that complement the spices well.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and piquancy.
½ teaspoon curry powder: Brings a fragrant earthiness and complexity.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor element perfectly when adjusted to taste.
Extra salt and black pepper for the chicken rub: Creates a flavorful crust and layers the taste.

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by washing your chicken thighs and patting them dry to ensure they brown beautifully. Then, give them a generous rub of extra salt and black pepper. This seasoning layer is the foundation of your stew’s depth. Set the chicken aside in a bowl while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat half a cup of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken thighs and brown each side for about 10 minutes until they develop a golden crust. This step seals in the juices while creating a stunning flavor base. Once browned, remove the chicken and let it rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the onion into halves; finely chop one half for sautéing, and set the other half aside for blending. Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, and the remaining onion half into a smooth, vibrant mixture that will become your stew’s rich sauce.

Step 4: Build the Stew Base

Using the same pan with the flavorful oil left from browning, sauté the chopped onions until translucent and fragrant. Pour in the blended tomato and pepper mixture, allowing it to boil for 5 minutes. This brings out the sweetness and cooks off any raw edge from the fresh ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer with Spices and Chicken

Return the browned chicken back into the pan. Add chicken stock, bouillon powder, thyme, black pepper, curry powder, and salt to taste. Stir gently to combine. Let the stew simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the flavors have melded beautifully.

How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

The image shows a white plate with two main layers: on the left, a mound of light, fluffy white rice with a soft, grainy texture, and on the right, two pieces of chicken covered in a thick, red-orange sauce with a rich, glossy texture. The sauce looks dense and chunky, coating the chicken fully and spreading slightly onto the rice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, a cast iron skillet with more chicken in red sauce is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate your stew experience. Consider sprinkling chopped cilantro or parsley on top to add a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the stew’s glossy finish and mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed white rice or fluffy jollof rice to soak up every drop of that rich sauce. For a more authentic touch, serve alongside pounded yam, fufu, or even soft bread to scoop and savor the stew’s full flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, serve the Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe over creamy mashed potatoes or use it as a filling for savory pies or wraps. You can also turn it into a vibrant stew bowl, layering with sautéed greens and roasted plantains for an Instagram-worthy meal that tastes as good as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your stew to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, where the flavors will continue to intensify, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe freezes beautifully! Store cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the liquid will expand when frozen.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw frozen stew overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm it slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute heat. You may want to add a splash of chicken stock or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are preferred for this Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe because they stay moist and tender during the longer simmering process, granting richer flavor and better texture.

What can I substitute for habanero pepper if I want less heat?

If habanero feels too spicy, try using half the amount or substitute it with milder peppers like jalapeños or red bell peppers to retain flavor without overwhelming heat.

Is this stew spicy for kids?

The stew can be adjusted to your taste! Using less or no habanero and reducing the black pepper results in a milder, kid-friendly version while still capturing the stew’s rich flavors.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender. This slow approach enhances the melded flavors delightfully.

What are good alternatives to chicken stock?

If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, vegetable stock or even water with a bouillon cube can work well. Just make sure to adjust salt and seasoning to keep the stew flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to experience a vibrant, comforting West African classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. I wholeheartedly encourage you to bring this stew into your kitchen – it’s bound to become a family favorite and a conversation starter at your dining table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!