Nigerian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is one of its most celebrated dishes. This stew packs a punch with its blend of fiery scotch bonnet peppers and aromatic spices that will make your taste buds dance! I still remember the first time I tried it at a friend’s family gathering. The aroma wafted through the air, drawing me in. As I took my first bite, the warmth and richness enveloped me like a cozy hug. It was a moment that ignited my passion for cooking! Trust me, once you try this stew, you won’t look at chicken the same way again. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!
Ingredients for Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew
To create this mouthwatering stew, you’ll need some simple yet powerful ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces: Choose your favorite cuts, but bone-in chicken adds extra flavor.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: This will help in sautéing and creating a delicious base.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Sweet and aromatic, onions form the foundation of many great stews.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced: Fresh ginger adds a lovely warmth and zest.
- 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers, blended: Adjust according to your spice preference; these peppers deliver the heat!
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes: For a rich, tangy base.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: A touch of earthiness to balance the spice.
- 1 teaspoon curry powder: Adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Use homemade if you can, for the best taste!
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Adds color and sweetness.
- 2 carrots, sliced: For a touch of sweetness and crunch.
How to Prepare Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew
Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew! It’s surprisingly straightforward, and I promise you’ll love every minute of it. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onions. Sauté them until they’re translucent, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 2 more minutes, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
- Now it’s time to add the blended scotch bonnet peppers, chopped tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Sprinkle in the thyme, curry powder, and salt, giving it a good stir to combine.
- Now, add in the chicken pieces, coating them well with the sauce. This is where your chicken starts to soak up all that incredible flavor!
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Patience is key here!
- Finally, toss in the chopped bell pepper and sliced carrots, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until they’re tender.
- Serve this stew hot over rice or with bread, and watch everyone’s face light up with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of scotch bonnet peppers and spices creates a flavor explosion that’s truly unforgettable.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious stew!
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that’s satisfying and nutritious.
- Versatile: Enjoy it with rice, bread, or even on its own—this stew fits any meal occasion!
- Make Ahead: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Tips for Success
To elevate your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew, here are my go-to tips! First, for a richer flavor, consider using fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones—just peel and chop them up! If you’re looking to tone down the heat, feel free to reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or substitute with milder peppers like jalapeños. Don’t skip letting the stew sit for a few hours or even overnight; it allows the flavors to deepen and mingle beautifully. And remember, always taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. You want it to be just right for your palate!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew, I highly recommend serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice absorbs all those incredible flavors and balances the spice perfectly! Alternatively, you can pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a bit of crunch, a side of fried plantains makes a delightful addition. Trust me, these pairings will enhance your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! You can expect approximately 350 calories per serving, along with 25g of protein to keep you energized. It contains 20g of fat, with 5g being saturated fat. The stew offers a good balance of carbohydrates at 15g, including 3g of fiber to support digestion. Keep in mind these values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods, but overall, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I find that the flavors deepen and improve after sitting for a bit. You can make the stew a day in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep!
How spicy is this stew?
The spice level can vary based on how many scotch bonnet peppers you use. If you prefer a milder dish, start with just one pepper and taste as you go. You can always add more heat later!
What can I serve with Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew?
I love serving this stew over fluffy rice, but you can also enjoy it with bread, yam, or even plantains. Each option complements the flavors beautifully!
Can I freeze leftover stew?
Yes! This stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries at all! You can substitute with water or vegetable broth. Just keep in mind that chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor, so try to use it if you can!
Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew: 7 Bold Flavors to Savor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Nigerian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and spicy Nigerian chicken stew.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 2–3 scotch bonnet peppers, blended
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in blended peppers, chopped tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Add thyme, curry powder, and salt. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces and coat them well with the sauce.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and carrots. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
Notes
- Adjust pepper quantity for desired spice level.
- Let the stew sit for a few hours for better flavor.
- Use fresh tomatoes for a richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew