Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Bell Peppers

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

A hearty Nigerian-style chicken stew simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices for a rich and comforting meal. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin removed, vegetable oil, large (1 cup) onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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: 45 min Serves 6 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 cup diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper; cook for 3 minutes until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Add 2 cups blended roma tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp curry powder, 1.5 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot and pour in 1 cup chicken broth. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for freshness, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rice or fufu.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Bell Peppers?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Bell Peppers?

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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Bell Peppers?

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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