African Chicken Stew – A tasty Nigerian chicken dish smothered in a savory aromatic tomato sauce the African way. Serve it with coconut rice for a no-fuss, quick, and easy weeknight meal!
Stews are a household favorite in both East and West African countries. An African party would not be the same without some sort of stew. Contrary to what people believe, they’re quick and easy to put together, and kids love them – especially paired with rice.
What Makes the Best Stew?
There are so many ways of making stews, with each person claiming to have the best. My all-time favorite is chicken stew; the flavor just can’t be beat. That said, the best stew is the stew you like the best.
I’ve made this before, but I cannot help but revisit this stew. This time, paired with coconut rice. Frying or browning the chicken is customary. However, you can skip this part altogether for a no-fuss weeknight meal. I do it all the time and still enjoy an exquisitely flavorful stew. And one of my readers shared this super simple recipe.
Ingredients
- Chicken is the preferred protein for this stew. But it would also be delicious with duck or turkey.
- Stew Base – Tomatoes (canned, fresh, or both): Roma tomatoes are best because they’re dryer and more flavorful for a thicker stew. What I like most about them is lower acidity. Tomato puree (to intensify flavor without adding liquid), onions, garlic, ginger, parsley, and basil go in the blender with the tomatoes for the base. Chicken broth adds liquid and flavor.
- Seasonings – Paprika, thyme, white pepper, and salt to taste are perfect. But you can add curry, bay leaf, etc., to make it your own. celery, bell peppers,
- Vegetables – Carrots, celery, green beans, bell peppers, and any veggie you’d like to add for nutritional and flavor value.
How to Make African Chicken Stew
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Base – Puree tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, parsley, and basil in a blender.
- Simmer – Pour the tomatoes into a large saucepan. Add the tomato puree, paprika, thyme, white pepper, and any other spice with about 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring the stew base to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add oil. When it’s hot, add the chicken and sauté, stirring frequently. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot and keep stirring until the chicken browns.
- Assembly – Add the chicken and bell pepper to the stew pot with about ¼ cup of oil. Cook for 5-10 minutes, then adjust seasoning and consistency to taste with salt, pepper, and chicken stock.
- Serve – Remove from heat, serve over coconut rice, and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- A good African stew has a noticeable tomato presence without the sharp acidity.
- If your stew is too acidic, add ½ a teaspoon of curry to help reduce or mask acidity.
What to Serve With African Stew
Savory coconut rice is a traditional side. But fufu and pounded yams go well with it, too.
African Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 3½-4 pounds (1.5-2k) chicken, cut into pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 Roma tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5g) chopped ginger
- ¼ cup (6-7g) fresh parsley
- 2-3 large leaves basil
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons (2-3g) dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon (2g) white pepper
- 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth or 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder in 2 cups of water
- 1 small bell pepper, sliced
- ¼ cup oil
- 6 cups (1,200g) cooked coconut rice
- 2 green onion, chopped (whites and green parts)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Puree tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, parsley, and basil in a blender.
- Pour the tomatoes into a large saucepan. Add the tomato paste, paprika, thyme, white pepper, and any other spice with about 2 cups of chicken stock. Bring the stew base to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add oil. When it's hot, add the chicken and sauté, stirring frequently. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot and keep stirring until the chicken browns.
- Add the chicken and bell pepper to the stew pot with about ¼ cup of oil. Cook for 5-10 minutes, then adjust seasoning and consistency to taste with salt, pepper, and chicken stock.
- Remove from heat, serve over coconut rice, and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Tips & Notes:
- A good African stew has a noticeable tomato presence without the sharp acidity.
- If your stew is too acidic, add ½ a teaspoon of curry to help reduce or mask acidity.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Uju Angel says
Wow! I’m new here but like what am seeing here,I will try some of them
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome! Do let me know which ones work out best for you.
Reh says
Hi, I just found you after visiting Yummly. I left there to find this recipe of your. It was DELICIOUS! Looking forward to trying more. Thank you Imma.
Reh says
Correction – I left there to find this recipe of yours….
ImmaculateBites says
My pleasure Reh! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Malikah says
Peace and Blessings! I tried this recipe, It is real soul food! Fresh, Delicious, Filling! We love it! Thanks!
Keisha says
This recipe is sooooo good! It has become one of my staple African recipes! My husband who is a native Ghanian thinks that it is delish!
ImmaculateBites says
Aww Keisha. Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback!
Pce says
wow
Pamela says
I live in Oklahoma.I had neighbors years ago.It was 2 African men from France.They made this stew,or one like this for my mom and I…served over rice.It was spicy,but very good!I decided to search for one like they made us,and came across yours.I have it cooking now,and it smells very good.Can’t wait to have mom over tomorrow to eat this wonderful dish!Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.I love it already!
ImmaculateBites says
Aww thanks Pamela! Do let us know how your mom liked it !
Leila says
Hi Imma, I can’t thank u enough for ur wonderful recipes which have been a hit in our household. I want to try this chicken stew recipe but I’m not sure what size can to use for the tomato purée (will it be 8 or 14oz)? Eagerly awaiting ur response, thanks. P.S. I noticed that some of ur other African stew recipes don’t also specify wat size can of tomato sauce/purée to use, I will really hate to ruin ur lovely recipes by guessing wrong thanks in advance.
ImmaculateBites says
Aww, thanks Leila! 8 or 14 ounce does the Job. IF you have a bigger chicken go with 14 ounce . Do let me know how it works out for you. Thanks again!
Leila says
Hi Imma, this recipe is def pinned now, I’m so excited at how it turned out n d whole family loved it too, thanks once again!!
ImmaculateBites says
Glad it was a hit with the family. Thanks for the feedback!
Joyce-Toronto says
Am looking for the green rice posted in one of your recipes. Its 2015 and am going to try am evolve my pallet. Any sengalese recipes? Many thanks for posting the different types of greens. Will absolutely try them
ImmaculateBites says
Yes, I do have this Thieboudienne /ceebu jen (Poisson au riz) http://africanbites.com/?p=792 and Yassa chicken http://africanbites.com/?p=921. Let me know how it turns out!
Philo says
I just cooked this and it was amazing. This chicken stew reminded me of home. Thanks. Definitely a keeper 🙂
Philo says
I’m making this recipe this weekend. By the way are you in culinary school Imma. You are so creative. ..
akos says
I have not try the recipe jet but it’s looks good to me. I will try it this weekend and send u the outcome, keep posting.
ImmaculateBites says
Let me know how it works for you amos.
Gloria says
Do you have a recipe for chicken gizzard dear? I made some delicious chicken gizzard and shared it with my coworkers but now they are wanting the recipe and I don’t do well with writing one. The chicken gizzards that I made was saucy you can even eat it with rice. I just don’t know how to write a darn recipe for it.
ImmaculateBites says
Here is a chicken gizzard recipe with sauce
Gloria says
You are soo right on with the representation of the stew. It just makes it a tastier look with the tomato paste!!
MARIE says
Gurrrrrl….those pictures make me want to lay in tha’ pot right next to that chicken. Bath my little caramel skin all that rich tomatoe-ey goodness. I am so making this! You should be shamed of yourself Imma— makin me salivate like that. Lol!
ImmaculateBites says
Marie, I love you girl. You just made me smile after crying over U.S.A defeat at the world cup. Let me know how you like it.Thanks for stopping by.
bvr says
Half a teaspoon of what to reduce acidity? You omitted a word above.
Looks good though.
ImmaculateBites says
1/2 teaspoons curry.
Joyce says
How do you make savory coconut rice
ImmaculateBites says
Recipe updated.