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- 1.5 lbs chicken, cut into pieces - 4 large tomatoes, blended into a puree - 1 red bell pepper, blended - 2-3 habanero peppers (adjust for spice level), blended - 1 large onion, sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 2 teaspoons ground coriander - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon thyme - 2 teaspoons curry powder - 1-2 cups chicken stock (as needed) - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish When making Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew, the chicken is the star. I like to use a whole cut-up chicken for the best flavor. Blending the tomatoes and peppers creates a rich base. The heat comes from the habanero peppers, which you can adjust for your taste. The spices add warmth and depth to the stew. - Additional vegetables - Protein substitutes You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. If you want to switch it up, try using fish or beef instead of chicken. These changes can give the stew a new twist while keeping it delicious. - Fresh cilantro - Parsley Garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. It brightens the stew and makes the dish look more appealing. You can sprinkle these herbs on just before serving for the best effect. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Gather your ingredients: chicken, tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, ginger, and spices. - Cut the chicken into pieces. This helps it cook evenly. - Slice the onion and mince the garlic and ginger. - Blend the tomatoes, red bell pepper, and habanero peppers into a smooth puree. This will be the base of your stew. - Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the sliced onions. Sauté them until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. - Next, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 2 minutes. This gives the stew a rich flavor. - Stir in your blended tomato and pepper mixture. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring as needed. The sauce should thicken and the oil should separate. - Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are slightly browned. - Sprinkle in ground coriander, cumin, thyme, curry powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices. - Pour in chicken stock so the chicken is covered. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is tender. - Taste the stew. Adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add more chicken stock to reach your desired consistency. - Best sautéing methods: Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn soft. This usually takes about 5 minutes. After this, add the minced garlic and ginger. Keep stirring for 2 more minutes. This method builds a great base for your stew. - Tips for blending ingredients: To get a smooth sauce, blend your tomatoes, red bell pepper, and habanero peppers until you have a puree. This helps the stew cook evenly and adds a rich flavor. Use a high-speed blender for the best results. - Adjusting spice levels: If you want more heat, add extra habanero peppers. For a milder stew, start with just one. Always taste as you go. You can also add extra spices like curry powder for depth. - Using fresh vs. dried herbs: Fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, add brightness to your dish. If you use dried herbs, add them earlier in cooking so their flavors can meld into the stew. - Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can dry out if you cook it too long. Aim for 30-40 minutes of simmering. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece. It should be juicy and tender. - Not seasoning adequately: Chicken needs flavor! Always season your stew with salt and spices. Taste at different stages to ensure your dish is bursting with flavor. Don’t be shy with the spices! Pro Tips Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the number of habanero peppers or remove the seeds before blending. Perfect Chicken Texture: For tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enhancing Flavor: Letting the stew sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs well with rice, fried plantains, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily change the spice level of your stew. For a mild version, use one habanero pepper. This gives you flavor without too much heat. Add more tomatoes to balance the spice. If you want an extra spicy option, add more habanero peppers. You can also mix in some chili powder. This will make your stew fiery and exciting! While chicken is the star here, you can switch it up. If you want a seafood twist, use fish. Just be sure to cook it gently so it doesn’t fall apart. For beef lovers, try using beef chunks instead of chicken. Cook it longer to make it tender. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils. These will soak up the flavors and give you a hearty meal. Different regions have their own styles for this stew. In Yoruba cooking, you may find more tomatoes and a thicker sauce. Igbo-style often uses more spices, giving it a deeper flavor. You might also see it served with yam or rice. Hausa cooking can feature more herbs and different proteins. Each style brings a unique taste, so feel free to explore! To keep your spicy Nigerian chicken stew fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store the stew in airtight containers. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. It can stay in the fridge for up to four days. - Freezing tips: If you want to save it for later, freeze the stew in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The stew can last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. - Best methods for reheating: Use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using a pot, heat on low, stirring often. For the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Flavor retention tips: Add a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating. This keeps the stew moist and flavorful. Knowing how long your stew lasts is important. - How long the stew lasts in the fridge: As mentioned, it lasts up to four days in the fridge. - Signs of spoilage: Look for off smells, discoloration, or mold. If you see any of these signs, throw it out to stay safe. You can pair this stew with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Jollof rice: This flavorful rice dish complements the stew well. - Fried plantains: Their sweetness balances the spicy stew perfectly. - Pounded yam: This smooth side is great for dipping into the stew. - Efo riro: A rich vegetable soup adds color and nutrition to your meal. Traditional accompaniments include fufu, a starchy dish made from cassava or yam. It’s perfect for scooping up the savory stew. Nigerian salads also make a fresh side to balance the rich flavors. If you want to serve more people, scaling up the ingredients is simple. Just increase each item in the recipe. For example: - Use 3-4 lbs of chicken for a larger batch. - Blend more tomatoes and peppers to match the chicken amount. Cooking techniques for larger batches remain the same. Use a bigger pot to hold everything. Make sure to stir well, so the flavors mix evenly. You may need to adjust cooking times. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Yes, this stew offers several nutritional benefits. Here are some key points: - Chicken: A great source of protein that helps build and repair tissues. - Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins C and K, they support heart health. - Peppers: They add vitamin A and antioxidants, boosting your immune system. Calorie count considerations vary based on serving size. A typical serving ranges from 300 to 400 calories. If you’re mindful of calories, enjoy the stew with lighter sides like salads. This blog post shared the essential steps to make Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew. We covered key ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and spices. I shared cooking tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to adjust flavors. You learned about variations for spice levels and protein choices. In closing, this stew is not just a recipe; it’s a way to connect with rich flavors and cultures. Enjoy cooking, experimenting, and sharing this dish with friends and family.

Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew

A flavorful and spicy chicken stew from Nigeria, perfect for serving with rice or bread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Nigerian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
  • 4 large tomatoes, blended into a puree
  • 1 red bell pepper blended
  • 2-3 habanero peppers blended (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1-2 cups chicken stock (as needed)
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, continuing to sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the blended tomato, red bell pepper, and habanero pepper mixture. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are slightly browned on all sides.
  • Sprinkle in the ground coriander, cumin, thyme, curry powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices.
  • Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring the chicken is covered. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the stew is too thick, add a little more chicken stock until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Adjust the number of habanero peppers based on your spice preference.
Keyword chicken stew, Nigerian cuisine, spicy