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Nigerian Chicken Stew

Nigerian Chicken Stew: A Cozy One-Pot Wonder You’ll Love

Experience the warmth and flavors of Nigerian Chicken Stew, a perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Nigerian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks Provides depth of flavor and tenderness
  • 1 tsp salt Enhances flavors; adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Adds subtle heat; can be omitted for less spice
For the Spices
  • 1 tsp paprika Provides warmth and color; smoked paprika can add depth
  • 1 tsp curry powder Contributes earthy spiciness typical of Nigerian cuisine
  • 1 tsp thyme Offers herbal notes; dried thyme recommended
For the Vegetables
  • 1 onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth
  • 4 large Roma tomatoes Forms stew base, adding acidity and freshness
  • 1 red bell pepper Provides sweetness and color
  • 1 small red onion Adds an extra layer of flavor
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers Delivers heat; adjust based on spice tolerance
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste Deepens the richness of the stew
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Enhances umami flavor
  • 1 tsp ginger powder Adds warmth and brightness
  • 1 bouillon cube (Maggi or Knorr) Intensifies savory notes

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • deep pot
  • blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onion. Mix and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, searing for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In a blender, combine tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until smooth.
  4. In the same pot used to sear chicken, add tomato paste and stir-fry for about 2 minutes over medium heat.
  5. Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in garlic powder, ginger powder, and bouillon cube. Add additional salt to taste and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  7. Return the seared chicken to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This stew tastes even better the next day as the spices meld and develop the flavors.

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