Delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken stew is a popular Nigerian dish enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a flavourful and nutritious meal made with chicken, vegetables, and spices. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious Nigerian chicken stew Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this article will provide you with the necessary information to prepare a mouth-watering chicken stew that will leave your family and friends asking for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken pieces (you can use chicken breast, thighs, or a combination of both)

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (use 1 if you prefer a milder stew)
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups of beef or chicken broth
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Cooking Instructions:

1. Preparation: Start by washing the chicken pieces under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and curry powder. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent.
3. Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add the Scotch bonnet peppers: Add the chopped Scotch bonnet peppers to the pot and stir well. If you prefer a milder stew, you can use just one pepper or omit the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat.
5. Add the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and stir well to coat the chicken with the onion and pepper mixture. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the potatoes and carrots: Add the chopped potatoes and carrots to the pot, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8. Add the broth and water: Pour in the beef or chicken broth and water, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
9.  Season to taste: Season the stew with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Serve: Serve the chicken stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
    
    Tips and Variations:

• Use a pressure cooker: If you have a pressure cooker, you can use it to cook the stew, reducing the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes.
• Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn to the stew if you like.
• Use different spices: You can experiment with different spices like ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, or ground cloves to give the stew a unique flavour.
• Serve with rice or plantains: Serve the stew with cooked rice, boiled plantains, or garri (also known as cassava flakes) for a satisfying meal.

Benefits of Nigerian Chicken Stew:

• High-quality protein: Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein that helps build and repair muscles.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against cancer and heart disease. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
• Antioxidant properties: The onions, garlic, and ginger in the stew have antioxidant properties that help protect against cell damage and inflammation.
• Supports immune function: The chicken, vegetables, and spices in the stew support immune function and help prevent illness.

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Nigerian chicken stew is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to make and enjoyable to eat. With the simple recipe outlined above, you can make a mouthwatering stew that will impress your family and friends. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this article has provided you with the necessary information to prepare a Nigerian chicken stew that will leave everyone asking for more. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the flavours and benefits of Nigerian chicken stew!