Nigerian-Style Spicy Tomato Stew with Chicken

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

A rich, spicy tomato stew simmered with tender chicken pieces and traditional Nigerian flavors, served over rice or bread. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, tomato paste, fresh plum tomatoes, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 450 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 1/3 cup vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 6 pieces of chicken thighs and brown each side for 4-5 minutes until golden; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Blend together 4 medium chopped plum tomatoes, 1 large chopped red bell pepper, and 1 small deseeded scotch bonnet pepper until smooth; pour into the pot with the onions.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook the sauce for 10 minutes over medium heat until it thickens and the oil separates slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the browned chicken to the pot, add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning, then serve hot over steamed rice or with fresh bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nigerian-Style Spicy Tomato Stew with Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Nigerian-Style Spicy Tomato Stew with Chicken?

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 tomato paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nigerian-Style Spicy Tomato Stew with Chicken?

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 Nigerian-Style Spicy Tomato Stew with Chicken 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 Nigerian-Style Spicy Tomato Stew with Chicken?

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