Spicy Nigerian Pepper Soup with Chicken & Plantains

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, aromatic soup bursting with Scotch bonnet heat and tender chicken, served with caramelized plantains for perfect balance. This nigerian-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, palm oil, medium, blended fresh tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Nigerian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp palm oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add minced Scotch bonnet peppers and grated ginger to the pot, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in blended tomatoes and thyme, then add crushed crayfish.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: While soup simmers, heat 2 tbsp palm oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add plantain slices and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Add fried plantains to the soup pot, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Nigerian Pepper Soup with Chicken & Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 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 Pepper Soup with Chicken & Plantains?

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 palm oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Nigerian Pepper Soup with Chicken & Plantains?

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 Pepper Soup with Chicken & Plantains 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 Pepper Soup with Chicken & Plantains?

Nigerian one pot 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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