Description
This Nigerian Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. With a blend of freshly blended tomatoes, fragrant onions, and key spices like thyme and ground pepper, this stew delivers authentic Nigerian flavors that pair perfectly with rice or bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 large tomatoes, blended
- 1 large onion, chopped
Seasonings & Stock
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes, releasing a sweet aroma.
- Cook the tomato base: Stir in the blended tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly and develop deeper flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides, sealing in the juices and adding richness to the stew.
- Season the stew: Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of ground pepper, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine the spices evenly through the stew.
- Add chicken stock and simmer: Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock, bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Nigerian Chicken Stew hot alongside steamed rice, bread, or your preferred side for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the ground pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock or broth.
- Optionally, add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
- Simmering time can be extended if you want a thicker, more concentrated stew.
- Make sure to brown the chicken well to build deeper flavor before simmering.
