Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipe

Name: Nigerian Chicken Stew
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 onion, chopped; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 4 large Roma tomatoes; 1 large red bell pepper; 1 small red onion; 2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 bouillon cube; Salt to taste

Jessica Baker

Update : February 20, 2026

Delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew cooked with spices and vegetables

Why Make This Recipe

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in many Nigerian households. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and culture. The stew is rich in spices and has a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks. Making this dish allows you to experience authentic Nigerian cuisine right at home. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew

Ingredients

2.5 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs or drumsticks), cleaned
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large Roma tomatoes
1 large red bell pepper
1 small red onion
2 scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for less heat)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 bouillon cube
Salt to taste

Directions

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onions. Let marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until they are browned on both sides. Set them aside.
Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, small red onion, and scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mixture.
In the same skillet, fry the tomato paste for about 2 minutes. Then, add the blended sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.
Add garlic powder, ginger powder, the bouillon cube, and salt. Stir everything to combine.
Return the browned chicken to the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the stew thickens.
Serve hot with white rice, fried plantains, or cauliflower rice.

How to Serve Nigerian Chicken Stew

Nigerian Chicken Stew is best served hot. The stew goes wonderfully with white rice, which helps to absorb all the rich flavors. You can also serve it with fried plantains for a sweet contrast or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Feel free to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra touch.

How to Store Nigerian Chicken Stew

Allow any leftover stew to cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the stew in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove.

Tips to Make Nigerian Chicken Stew

For added depth of flavor, try using a mix of different bell peppers.
If you prefer a thicker stew, blend in a small amount of cooked yam or potatoes with the sauce.
Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers to control the heat level. If you like it mild, reduce the amount or remove the seeds.

Variation

You can customize this stew by adding other vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition. If you want to switch up the protein, you can use goat or beef instead of chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, you can make the stew ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

2. What can I use instead of scotch bonnet peppers?
If you cannot find scotch bonnet peppers, you can use other hot peppers like habanero. For a milder flavor, use jalapeños or skip the peppers entirely.

3. Is this stew spicy?
The stew can be spicy, depending on how many scotch bonnet peppers you use. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by using fewer peppers or removing the seeds.