Spicy Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Scotch Bonnet

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, spicy chicken stew bursting with fresh tomatoes and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, inspired by Nigerian flavors. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs pounds bone-in chicken thighs, tablespoons vegetable oil, diced large onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 45 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 2 diced large onions and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 blended medium fresh tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 2 finely chopped scotch bonnet peppers to the pot. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Return the browned chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Finish by stirring in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving, adding a fresh herbal note to the spicy stew.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Scotch Bonnet 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 Spicy Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Scotch Bonnet?

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 pounds bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Scotch Bonnet?

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 Spicy Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Scotch Bonnet 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 Spicy Nigerian-Inspired Chicken Stew with Tomatoes and Scotch Bonnet?

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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