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 recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, red bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

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.

Related recipes