< 1 mn read
Nigerian chicken stew is a rich and hearty dish made with chicken, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s versatile and pairs well with rice, bread, or yam. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- Tomatoes
- Red bell peppers
- Scotch bonnet peppers
- Onions
- Cloves of garlic
- Ginger
- Vegetable oil
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth
- Seasoning cubes
- Thyme
- Curry powder
- Salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and season with salt. Set aside.
- Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, half of the onion, garlic, and ginger into a smooth mixture. Add a little water if needed to blend smoothly.
- Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot, cook the seasoned chicken pieces until tender.
- Make the Tomato Base
- Heat vegetable oil in another pot over medium heat. Sauté the remaining onion until soft and translucent.
- Add tomato paste and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw taste.
- Cook the Stew
- Pour in the blended tomato mixture and cook on medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Chicken and Seasonings
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the tomato base. Pour in chicken broth or water, and stir. Add seasoning cubes, thyme, and curry powder. Adjust salt to taste. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Final Touch
- If the stew is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Simmer for a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Serve Nigerian chicken stew with steamed white rice, jollof rice, yam, or bread. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. The stew keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and flavors improve over time.