How to Cook Delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nigerian chicken stew is one of those dishes that brings families together at the table. It’s rich, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with just about anything – from white rice to yam or even bread. Whether you’re having a small family meal or hosting guests, chicken stew always hits the spot. The best part? It’s easy to make at home with fresh, everyday ingredients.

In this recipe, I’ll show you step-by-step how to prepare a delicious pot of chicken stew that will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of the ingredients that you’d need for this Nigerian chicken stew recipe:

1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
8-10 fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of blended tomatoes)
3-4 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
2 medium onions (1 for boiling chicken, 1 for the stew)
2-3 cloves of garlic
1 small piece of ginger
2 seasoning cubes (Maggi/Knorr)
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

Clean and Season the Chicken: Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly with water. Season the chicken with salt, seasoning cubes, thyme, curry powder, and half of the chopped onions. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Boil the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in a pot, add enough water to cover the chicken, and boil on medium heat until tender. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the pot and set the chicken stock aside.
Fry or Grill the Chicken (Optional): Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the boiled chicken until it turns golden brown (you can grill the chicken instead if you prefer). Set the fried or grilled chicken aside.
Blend the Tomatoes and Peppers: Blend the fresh tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger into a smooth mixture.
Fry the Tomato Paste and Mixture: Heat some vegetable oil in a pot, then add the tomato paste (if using) and fry for about 3-5 minutes. Pour in the blended tomato mixture and fry on medium heat, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens and loses its sour taste (this should take about 15-20 minutes).
Season the Stew: Add seasoning cubes, thyme, and curry powder to taste. Stir well and let the stew cook for a few more minutes.
Add Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock you set aside earlier and stir everything together. Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Add the Fried or Grilled Chicken: Finally, add the fried or grilled chicken to the stew. Stir gently and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes so the flavors can blend well.

Your delicious chicken stew is ready to be served.

Serving Suggestions:

With Rice: Chicken stew pairs perfectly with a plate of white rice. It’s a classic Nigerian combination for lunch or dinner.
With Yam or Plantain: Serve the stew with boiled yam or fried plantain for a delicious and hearty meal.
With Bread: Enjoy the stew with soft bread, ideal for a quick and tasty breakfast or light dinner.
With Swallow: For a traditional touch, serve the stew with eba, pounded yam, or semovita.

Feel free to garnish the stew with fresh basil or scent leaves for extra flavor, and enjoy it with your favorite side!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delicious pot of Nigerian chicken stew that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and versatility, this stew can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it with rice, yam, or bread, it’s sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your meals. Don’t be afraid to add your own twist to the recipe, like using different meats or adjusting the spice level to your taste. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out in the comments!