Nigerian Chicken Stew

If you’ve been craving something bold, cozy, and absolutely bursting with personality, Nigerian Chicken Stew is about to become your new weeknight hero. As someone who practically lives in the kitchen (and happily so!), I can tell you this dish is one of those magical recipes that rescues busy evenings, pleases picky eaters, and fills your home with a smell so good your neighbors might “just happen” to stop by.

This stew has everything we love—juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, warm spices, and that unmistakable Nigerian depth of flavor. And don’t worry if you’re juggling a full schedule; this recipe is wonderfully doable even on those days when you feel like your to-do list is doing too much.

As we dive in, you’ll see why Nigerian Chicken Stew deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s comforting, it’s lively, and it brings that little spark of culinary joy I built Chicken Magic Recipes to share with you.

Why You’ll Love This Nigerian Chicken Stew

Let’s be honest—life can get hectic. Between work, family, and trying to remember where you left your keys (probably the fridge… again), finding time for a home-cooked meal feels like a tall order. That’s exactly why this stew shines:

• It’s incredibly flavorful without being fussy.
• It uses simple, accessible ingredients.
• It works beautifully for meal prep.
• And… it tastes even better the next day. Yes, please.

This stew has been a personal go-to ever since one memorable family gathering when everyone—kids included—asked for seconds. When a recipe gets that kind of reaction, it earns a special place in your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken – 2.5 lbs bone-in thighs or drumsticks
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon
• Curry Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Thyme – 1 teaspoon
• Onion – 1 chopped
• Vegetable Oil – 1/4 cup
• Roma Tomatoes – 4 large
• Red Bell Pepper – 1
• Red Onion – 1 small
• Scotch Bonnet Peppers – 2 (or 1 for less heat)
• Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Ginger Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Bouillon Cube – 1 (Maggi or Knorr)
• Salt to taste

Pro tip: Fresh tomatoes and peppers make all the difference. The brighter the produce, the richer the stew.

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew (Step-by-Step)

1. Season and Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onion. Give everything a good mix.
Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—trust me, this little pause brings big flavor. Think of it like the chicken getting its own spa treatment before the big performance.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear both sides until beautifully golden.
This step is where the magic begins. Browning the chicken locks in juices and builds the savory base every great stew needs.

3. Blend the Tomato-Pepper Mix

Blend the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers until smooth.
This colorful mix is the heart of Nigerian Chicken Stew—bold, spicy, and wonderfully fragrant.

4. Fry the Tomato Paste

Still using the same pot, fry the tomato paste for about 2 minutes. Stir it around as it deepens in color.
This quick step transforms the paste from sharp to rich, giving your stew that signature depth.

5. Cook Down the Sauce

Pour in your blended mixture and let it simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
You want the sauce to thicken and lose that raw tomato flavor. The aroma at this stage? Heavenly.

6. Season the Sauce

Add garlic powder, ginger powder, the bouillon cube, and a pinch more salt.
Give it a good stir and let everything marry together. This combination creates that savory warmth Nigerian stews are loved for.

7. Simmer with Chicken

Add your seared chicken back into the pot, nestling each piece into the sauce.
Reduce the heat and let it all simmer for 25–30 minutes. The chicken becomes tender, the flavors deepen, and by the end you’ll have a stew worth bragging about.

This is the moment I usually sneak a taste—quality control, of course!

Tips for Perfect Nigerian Chicken Stew

• Don’t rush the simmer. Good things take time, and this sauce needs a few minutes to thicken into perfection.
• Adjust the heat. Scotch bonnet peppers are fierce. If your family isn’t big on spice, start with half of one and build from there.
• Too thick? Too thin? Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the stew, or simmer longer to thicken.
• Leftovers? Lucky you—this stew gets even tastier overnight.

And remember… if your sauce looks a little uneven at first, breathe. It’s not a Pinterest fail; it’s just part of the magic coming together.

FAQs About Nigerian Chicken Stew

Bring the Magic Home

When you’re craving something soulful, vibrant, and deeply comforting, this Nigerian Chicken Stew delivers every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that warms your kitchen, lifts your mood, and reminds you why home cooking is such a joy.

I hope this dish brings as much happiness to your table as it has to mine. And when you try it, don’t be shy—send me a photo or message. I love seeing your Chicken Magic come to life.

Happy cooking, my friend!

Craving More Delicious Comfort Meals?

If this Nigerian Chicken Stew made your kitchen smell like pure magic, wait until you try these other cozy, flavor-packed dishes! I picked them just for you—each one is warm, comforting, and perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and satisfying. Treat yourself to one of these next:

• Warm up with a bowl of Chicken Soup with Potatoes—simple, hearty, and the kind of dish that feels like a hug after a long day.
• Looking for something with bold Mediterranean flair? My Sicilian Chicken Soup is bright, nourishing, and full of layers of flavor.
• If you love creamy and comforting meals, you’ll fall for my Chicken Enchilada Soup—a crowd-favorite that’s rich, cozy, and so easy to make.
• And for something a little special (with just the right touch of sweetness!), try the Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken—perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want to impress.

Go ahead and bookmark a few—you deserve more delicious moments in your week!

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