Name: Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491144H20M12S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 2–3 lbs chicken (bone-in or boneless, skin optional); 3 red bell peppers; 4 medium tomatoes (fresh or canned); 1–2 scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (adjust to taste); 1 large onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/4 cup vegetable or palm oil; 1–2 tsp chicken bouillon powder or 1 cube; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp curry powder; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 bay leaf

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Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is one of my favorite bold and comforting dishes. It’s made with tender chicken simmered in a thick, vibrant tomato and pepper-based sauce that’s rich in flavor and fiery with spice. I love how this stew fills my kitchen with the scent of garlic, ginger, and slow-cooked tomatoes—perfect over rice, yams, or even bread to soak up every drop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both deeply flavorful and versatile. The chicken gets beautifully infused with the peppery, aromatic sauce, and the heat can be easily adjusted depending on how spicy I want it. It’s a classic dish in Nigerian homes for a reason—hearty, satisfying, and perfect for making ahead. Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken (bone-in or boneless, skin-on optional)
Red bell peppers
Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (adjust to taste)
Onion
Garlic (minced)
Fresh ginger (grated)
Tomato paste
Vegetable or palm oil
Chicken bouillon powder or cubes
Thyme
Curry powder
Salt
Black pepper
Bay leaf (optional)

Directions

I blend the red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mixture.
I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little curry and thyme, then sear it in oil until browned on all sides. I set it aside.
In the same pot, I sauté garlic and ginger, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to reduce its sharpness.
I pour in the blended pepper mixture and simmer it for 15–20 minutes until it thickens and the oil begins to separate.
I add the browned chicken back to the pot along with bouillon, curry powder, thyme, and bay leaf if using.
I cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
I taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve hot with rice or other sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped green bell peppers near the end for texture. I’ve also made this stew with turkey or goat meat instead of chicken. When I want it extra spicy, I use two scotch bonnet peppers. For a deeper, smokier flavor, I roast the tomatoes and peppers before blending them.

storage/reheating

I store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop more. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew

FAQs

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes. I reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or remove the seeds to tone down the heat. The stew still stays flavorful without too much burn.

Do I have to fry the pepper mix?

Yes, frying the pepper blend until the oil separates is key—it deepens the flavor and removes the raw taste of the tomatoes and peppers.

What type of chicken works best?

I like using bone-in chicken parts because they add more flavor to the stew, but boneless thighs work great too if I want quicker cooking.

What can I serve it with?

I serve this with white rice, jollof rice, boiled yams, plantains, or bread. It’s incredibly versatile.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make it the day before because the flavor gets even richer after sitting overnight.

Conclusion

Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is one of my favorite dishes for when I want something hearty, bold, and packed with flavor. The vibrant sauce, tender chicken, and fiery kick make it a staple in my kitchen. Whether I serve it with rice, yams, or plantains, it always brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of spice to the table.