Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Peppers
A hearty and flavorful Nigerian-style chicken stew simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices for a rich, comforting meal. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, large, chopped 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 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces, bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 large, chopped red bell peppers
- 4 large, chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece, grated ginger root
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 6 chicken thighs and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1-inch grated ginger root. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 large chopped red bell peppers and 4 large chopped fresh tomatoes, cooking for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their juices.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to meld the flavors.
- Step 5: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, add 1 cup water, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the stew thickens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and Peppers 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 Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomato and 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 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 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.
