Braised Nigerian Spiced Chicken with Tomato and Pepper Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A richly spiced chicken dish simmered in a savory tomato and pepper sauce inspired by Nigerian flavors. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, medium, chopped fresh plum tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté 1 large finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch grated ginger root for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 large roasted and blended red bell peppers, 4 chopped fresh plum tomatoes, 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper (optional), and 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 crushed bouillon cube and 1 cup water, then add the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt to taste and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, stirring gently before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Nigerian Spiced Chicken with Tomato and Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Braised Nigerian Spiced Chicken with Tomato and Pepper Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Nigerian Spiced Chicken with Tomato and Pepper Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Nigerian Spiced Chicken with Tomato and Pepper Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Nigerian Spiced Chicken with Tomato and Pepper Sauce?

African chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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