Nigerian Chicken and Bell Pepper Stew with Tomato Base
A rich, tomato-forward Nigerian stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with colorful bell peppers in a deeply flavored base. The generous amount of tomato paste creates an intensely savory foundation, while the combination of red and green peppers adds sweetness and vibrant color. Perfect for family dinners or when you want to explore West African flavors, this hearty stew pairs beautifully with rice or other Nigerian staples. The long simmering time allows the chicken to become fork-tender while the flavors meld into a satisfying, comforting dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in large pot over medium heat
- 2
Add onions and garlic, saute until golden brown
- 3
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently
- 4
Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides
- 5
Pour in chicken broth and bring to boil
- 6
Add bell peppers, salt, and black pepper
- 7
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes until chicken is tender
- 8
Serve hot with rice or favorite side dish
Tips
Brown the chicken pieces thoroughly for deeper flavor and better texture in the final stew.
Stir the tomato paste frequently during cooking to prevent burning and develop rich, caramelized notes.
Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat gently on stovetop.
Can make 1 day ahead. Flavors improve overnight. Reheat before serving.
Serve hot over steamed rice, with fried plantains, or Nigerian jollof rice.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning the chicken to avoid bland, pale meat.
Stir tomato paste constantly to avoid bitter, burnt flavors.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Tomato paste provides concentrated flavor essential to this dish. Canned tomatoes would make the stew too watery and less flavorful.
How long does this stew keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld together.
Can I freeze this chicken stew?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.