Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Coconut Chicken Stew

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

A rich and aromatic chicken stew with tender pieces simmered in a spiced coconut and tomato broth, inspired by West African flavors. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, coconut milk, crushed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 40 min Serves 6 African cuisine 380 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 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed and cut into pieces) and brown each side for about 5 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper for heat. Cook for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk and 1 cup chicken broth. Add 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over the stew.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Nigerian-Inspired Coconut Chicken Stew 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 Coconut Chicken Stew?

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 Coconut Chicken Stew?

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 Coconut Chicken Stew 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 Coconut Chicken Stew?

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