Description
A thick, glossy, and incredibly flavorful Nigerian chicken stew that balances sweet bell peppers, tangy tomatoes, and spicy scotch bonnets. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large or 6 medium Roma tomatoes
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 2 medium yellow onions (one for blending, one for frying)
- 1–2 scotch bonnet peppers
- 4–5 cloves garlic
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1.5 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 bouillon cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry chicken pieces. Season with salt, crushed bouillon cubes, and a little thyme. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
- Roughly chop tomatoes, bell peppers, one onion, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend into a smooth puree.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and fry until translucent (2 minutes). Add tomato paste and fry for 2 minutes to caramelize.
- Pour in the blended pepper/tomato mixture. Simmer on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oil separates from the stew.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces, curry powder, remaining thyme, and chicken stock. Stir to coat.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or bouillon. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with rice, fufu, or bread.
Notes
Do not rush the frying stage; the oil separating from the stew is a key visual cue for rich flavor. If using canned tomatoes, add fresh bell pepper for sweetness. Scotch bonnet peppers can be substituted with habaneros for similar heat and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup stew with chic
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Nigerian chicken stew, West African cuisine, chicken stew recipe, scotch bonnet peppers, tomato stew, fufu, jollof rice, gluten-free dinner, meal prep