Description
Nigerian chicken stew simmers with rich, spicy tomato sauce and tender meat, delivering bold West African flavors. Hearty and comforting, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic dish that brings warmth to your dining table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs
Vegetables:
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 habanero pepper
- 1 onion
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken stock
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon bouillon powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Extra salt for chicken rub
- Extra black pepper for chicken rub
Instructions
- Cleanse chicken thighs thoroughly, removing excess moisture with paper towels. Massage with aromatic seasonings, allowing flavors to penetrate while preparing additional components.
- Warm olive oil in a robust skillet over moderate temperature. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, creating a golden-brown exterior through careful caramelization. This technique locks in robust flavors and develops an appetizing exterior.
- Extract chicken from pan, reserving the flavorful residue. Dice one onion section while preserving the other for blending.
- Transform tomatoes, bell peppers, habanero, and reserved onion section into a smooth, vibrant puree using a high-speed blender.
- Utilize the same skillet, sautéing remaining onion pieces until translucent and fragrant. Allow them to release their sweet aromatics.
- Pour blended mixture into the skillet, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, developing a rich, complex profile.
- Reintroduce browned chicken to the bubbling sauce. Incorporate chicken stock, bouillon, spices, and herbs. Gently stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Lower heat, cover the skillet, and allow the stew to gently simmer. Chicken will tenderize while absorbing the intricate flavor landscape.
- Verify doneness through chicken tenderness and sauce consistency. Taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed, ensuring a harmonious flavor balance.
- Optional: For those preferring milder intensity, consider reducing habanero quantity or substituting with gentler pepper varieties.
Notes
- Spice levels can be customized by adjusting the amount of habanero pepper, allowing heat-sensitive individuals to enjoy the stew comfortably.
- Select bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness, as they retain moisture better during the cooking process.
- Blending vegetables creates a smooth, rich base that infuses the stew with deep, complex taste profiles without chunky textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 34g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg