Description
Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is a bold, vibrant West African classic featuring halal chicken simmered in a rich tomato-pepper blend with warm aromatics and fiery heat. This comforting stew pairs beautifully with rice, fried plantains, or warm flatbread—Nigerian comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds halal chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or mixed)
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 red bell peppers, blended
- 2–3 Roma tomatoes, blended
- 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (adjust for spice)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 cups water or chicken broth
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until softened. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
- Blend red bell peppers, tomatoes, and Scotch bonnet peppers until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the pot and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring, until it thickens.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, curry powder, thyme, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Add browned chicken back to the pot. Pour in water or broth to reach your desired thickness.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 35–40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the stew is rich and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish if desired. Serve hot with rice, plantains, or bread.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by using fewer Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, or removing seeds and membranes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce liquids.
- Can substitute with boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking.
- Great served with white rice, fried plantains, or warm flatbread.
- To keep this halal, ensure the chicken and any stock used are certified halal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew, Nigerian stew, halal chicken stew, West African stew, spicy pepper stew, Nigerian recipe, tomato-pepper stew, chicken stew with peppers