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Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew

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Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is a bold, flavorful dish made with chicken simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce spiced with garlic, ginger, thyme, and curry. It’s a comforting, aromatic staple perfect for serving with rice, yams, or plantains.

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

Instructions

  1. Blend red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mixture.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, curry, and thyme. Sear in oil until browned on all sides, then set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté garlic and ginger for a minute.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to reduce sharpness.
  5. Pour in the blended pepper mixture and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and oil starts to separate.
  6. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add bouillon, curry, thyme, and bay leaf if using. Stir to combine.
  7. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes until chicken is tender and infused with sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over rice, yams, or with bread.

Notes

  • Add green bell peppers near the end for texture.
  • Substitute chicken with turkey or goat meat.
  • Roast tomatoes and peppers before blending for a smokier flavor.
  • Use fewer scotch bonnets or remove seeds for less heat.
  • Make ahead—flavors improve overnight.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/spicy-nigerian-chicken-stew/