Oh, let me tell you about the first time I made Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew for my family—it was one of those evenings when I was juggling homework help, dinner prep, and a cranky toddler. I had heard about this vibrant, flavorful stew from a friend who swore it was a nutrition powerhouse. So, I decided to give it a try, hoping it would be a quick win for our family’s nutrition and taste buds.
To my surprise, this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew wasn’t just delicious—it brought a burst of nourishing ingredients that my family desperately needed. The tomatoes packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, the chicken full of protein, and the hearty spices added a gentle metabolism boost. Plus, it came together faster than some of my usual fussy dinnertime recipes.
What really struck me was how my kids, usually picky about anything “spicy,” graciously accepted the warmth of the Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew. I noticed they had more energy after dinner and even asked for seconds, which is a rare win! This stew helped me feel like I was finally offering them nutrition that didn’t come with a battle.
If you’re a fellow busy mom who wants a simple, wholesome meal that supports your family’s health without the fuss, you’re in the right place. I’ll share my favorite ways to make this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew a routine dinnertime win in your home. Trust me, feeding your family well doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have recipes like this one in your back pocket.
Speaking of family-friendly nutrition, if your crew loves spicy flavors, you might want to peek at this Spicy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl I make for quick lunches—it’s a similar kind of wholesome, flavor-packed meal your kids will love! And for those chilly nights needing comfort food with a nutrition twist, my Chicken Stew Hearty Comfort Food recipe is a go-to.
This Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew recipe has become a staple in our home for nourishing chaos days, and I know it will be a great addition to your family’s table too!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple lineup to make your own Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew without any stress. I keep this list straightforward because busy moms deserve nutrition without the confusion!
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (skin-on or skinless, your choice) – Great protein source for growing kids
- 4 large fresh tomatoes – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
- 2 red bell peppers – Loaded with immune-supporting nutrients
- 1 large onion – Adds flavor and digestive benefits
- 3 scotch bonnet peppers (or fewer if you prefer mild) – Adds that characteristic spicy kick
- 3 cloves garlic – Natural immunity booster
- 1-inch piece of ginger – Aids digestion and adds warm flavor
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste – Enhances depth and nutrition of the stew
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds smokiness with minimal calories
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred) – For moisture and flavor
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use avocado oil for healthy fats) – Supports absorption of nutrients
- Salt and black pepper to taste
No worries if you don’t have fresh tomatoes; I often use canned diced tomatoes when fresh aren’t in season with great results for our Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew. I also like to add a handful of chopped spinach sometimes for an extra boost of iron and fiber.
These ingredients are easy to find at your regular grocery store or local marketplace. And yes, this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive—basic pantry staples add so much to the flavor and health benefits.
If you’re short on time, a quick chop of all veggies before starting keeps your kitchen flow smooth. I like using a food processor to blitz the tomatoes, peppers, onion, and spices into a sauce base—that’s my secret shortcut for a nourishing, fuss-free Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew.
One more thing: my family gets extra nutrition when I toss in a few cubes of sweet potatoes or carrots just before simmering for some gentle sweetness and vitamin A goodness.
Mom-to-mom, trust me on this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew ingredient list—it’s straightforward and full of nutrition hacks to keep your family nourished and happy.
If you want a slightly different take on West African chicken stew styles, the Nigerian chicken stew on My Diaspora Kitchen is a beautiful reference, showcasing traditional flavors that inspire my own healthier versions. Also, Chef Lola’s Kitchen has a fantastic guide on Nigerian Chicken Stew, which helped me understand the spices better too.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, here’s where the magic happens. Making your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is easier than you think—let’s walk through it step-by-step like we’re cooking together.
- Prep your chicken: Rinse and pat your chicken pieces dry. Season with salt and pepper. I sometimes brown the chicken lightly in oil for extra flavor and texture, especially when I have a bit more time. This step adds a rich base to your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew.
- Blend the pepper and tomato mix: Toss the fresh tomatoes, red peppers, scotch bonnets, onion, garlic, and ginger into a blender and blend to a smooth consistency. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew.
- Cook the pepper mix: Heat your two tablespoons of oil in a large pot. Pour in the blended mixture and simmer on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and the colors deepening—that means all those nutrients are concentrating nicely.
- Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and adjust salt and pepper. Keep simmering gently to deepen the flavors of your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew bowl.
- Add the chicken and broth: Nestle the chicken pieces into the simmering pepper sauce and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the stew is rich and aromatic.
- Taste and adjust: Give your stew a quick taste. If you want it spicier, add a bit more scotch bonnet pepper. If the stew feels too thick, stir in a little more broth. Don’t worry if your stew looks slightly different each time—it’s just the nature of homemade nutrition-packed meals.
- Finishing touches: For extra zest and nutrition, I like to add chopped fresh parsley or spinach just before serving. It adds color and vitamins to your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew plate.
Pro tip: While your Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is simmering, this is the perfect time to prep school lunches or tidy up the dinner table—multitasking wins for busy moms!
If you want some inspiration for more hearty, comforting dishes like this, check out my Chicken Stew Hearty Comfort Food recipe for another family favorite with nourishing flavors.
Remember, the key with Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew is patience. The longer it simmers, the deeper the taste and better the nutrition for your family’s nourishment!
For an alternative method or slightly different flavor profiles, the Nigerian Red Stew guide on EVSEATS has wonderful tips I’ve adapted for my own kitchen routine.
How We Love to Eat This!
When dinnertime hits, the kids get so excited for this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew! I serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or soft pounded yam, both of which soak up the stew’s spicy tomato goodness beautifully.
My kids especially love this spicy chicken pepper stew paired with steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad to balance the heat and increase veggie intake. These side dishes add fiber and hydration, which keeps everyone energized after a busy day.
This stew shines at family gatherings too. When friends come over, it’s always a hit. I presentation-tweak by garnishing with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime for a pop of brightness that makes healthy food look tempting.
Leftovers? You bet! I often transform the next day’s Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew into a hearty sandwich filling or toss it over roasted veggies for a nutritious lunch. This helps keep our nutrition on track with minimal effort.
Seasonally, I’ve tried adding pumpkin during fall for a sweeter twist that still keeps the traditional Nigerian stew cooking style we love. It’s a creative nutrition twist my whole family enjoys.
If your crew is loving the cozy, spicy flavors, the spicy buffalo chicken dip I make is another crowd pleaser that adds a similar satisfying kick without much prep. You can find that recipe in our family favorites, too!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from fresh veggies, and healthy fats from oil. My kids’ doctors always approve of the balanced ingredients.
What if my picky eater won’t try this spicy chicken pepper stew?
I get it. Start by reducing the scotch bonnet peppers and add mild bell peppers to keep flavor without overwhelming heat. You can also blend the sauce smoother for easier acceptance.
Can I meal prep this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew for busy weeks?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully. Just thaw and reheat gently for quick nutrition-packed meals on hectic days.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Definitely. Turkey or even firm tofu works great for vegetarian spins—just adjust cooking times.
How can I make this Nigerian tomato stew less spicy for little ones?
Use fewer scotch bonnet peppers or remove seeds before blending. You can also add more tomato paste for sweetness.
Is this West African chicken stew gluten-free and allergy-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just watch for broth ingredients if using store-bought.
Where can I find authentic inspiration for this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew?
I recommend checking out these helpful resources for traditional Nigerian spicy stew recipes that inspired my version: My Diaspora Kitchen’s Nigerian chicken stew guide, Chef Lola’s Kitchen’s best Nigerian Chicken Stew, and EVSEATS’ Nigerian Red Stew write-up.
When I first started cooking this, I learned loads from fellow moms about balancing spice and nutrition in a way everyone loved. You’re not alone in this journey!
Final Thoughts:
This Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew has found a special place in our family’s nutrition goals. It’s flavorful, packed with wholesome ingredients, and suits our busy lives perfectly.
My Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew Nutrition Hacks:
– I blend fresh veggies for added vitamins in every bite.
– Using avocado oil boosts healthy fats for absorption.
– Adding leafy greens at the end increases fiber and iron simply.
We have family-tested variations, too. My husband prefers it extra spicy with more peppers, while my youngest loves the milder tomato-rich version. My older kids adore when I sneak in sweet potatoes for extra energy.
Making this stew your own is part of the fun—adjust the heat, add new veggies, or try different sides to keep everyone engaged and nourished.
If you’re looking for more simple, flavor-packed meals, check out my Spicy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl or the hearty Chicken Stew Hearty Comfort Food recipes for variety.
I hope this Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew brings you many dinnertime nutrition wins and happy, healthy family moments. Remember, you got this, momma! Nourished families thrive with simple, loving food made with care.
Spicy Nigerian Chicken Stew
A flavorful and fiery Nigerian chicken stew rich with tomatoes, peppers, and warm spices, perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 large tomatoes, blended
- 3 red bell peppers, blended
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers, blended
- 1 large onion, chopped (half blended with tomatoes, half sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground crayfish (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and add to the pot; brown on all sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the blended tomatoes, bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, and half of the blended onions.
- Add curry powder, thyme, bay leaves, and ground crayfish if using.
- Cook the sauce uncovered on medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reduces and thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
Serve this spicy stew with steamed white rice, yam, or plantains for a complete and satisfying meal.