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Nigerian Chicken Stew: Bold Flavors for Cozy Nights

Nigerian Chicken Stew is a comforting dish filled with bold flavors and spices, perfect for cozy family nights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Nigerian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 kg Chicken Use bone-in for richer flavor; boneless is fine if you shorten the cooking time.
For the Marinade
  • 1 tbsp Salt Enhances flavor and draws out moisture during marination.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adds a mild heat and layers of depth to the stew.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Provides a beautiful color and subtle sweetness; smoked paprika offers extra depth.
  • 1 tbsp Curry Powder Infuses warmth and complexity, crucial to Nigerian flavor.
  • 1 tsp Thyme Adds a delightful herbal note; fresh is best, but dried can work too.
  • 1 large Onion The aromatic base; red onion lends a sweeter touch.
For the Stew Base
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil Needed for searing chicken and frying the tomato paste; swap for olive oil if preferred.
  • 6 medium Roma Tomatoes Fresh creates the best sauce; canned is a good backup.
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Boosts sweetness and color in your stew.
  • 1 piece Scotch Bonnet Peppers Packs authentic heat; reduce for milder flavor or use habanero instead.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Deepens the stew’s flavor; sauté before adding fresh ingredients for optimal taste.
For Flavor Enhancement
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Elevates the overall flavor; fresh versions are preferable.
  • 1 tsp Ginger Powder Elevates the overall flavor; fresh versions are preferable.
  • 1 piece Bouillon Cube Adds umami depth; homemade broth is a great substitute.
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Parsley/Cilantro Fresh herbs provide a bright, lovely finish to the dish.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • blender
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Nigerian Chicken Stew
  1. Marinate your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, thyme, and chopped onion for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil until shimmering. Sear the marinated chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In a blender, combine the Roma tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until smooth to form the tomato base for your stew.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the tomato paste over medium heat for about 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
  5. Pour the blended tomato mixture into the skillet with the tomato paste and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in garlic powder, ginger powder, and bouillon cube. Adjust salt to taste and let the stew base simmer for another 5 minutes.
  7. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
  8. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the stew before serving for a bright finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow chicken to marinate for maximum flavor. Use fresh herbs and vegetables for best results. Adjust heat level according to preference.

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