Batar da’an - Nigerian Spicy Chicken Stew

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the minced garlic, grated ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well with the chicken and vegetables.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Batar da’an hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or your choice of Nigerian staple.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces. This will add richness to the stew. However, if you prefer a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Bell peppers — Feel free to use a combination of different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish. The sweetness of the bell peppers balances the spiciness of the stew.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger adds a zingy and aromatic flavor to the stew. Make sure to grate it finely to incorporate the flavor evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped chili pepper to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preference. Okra, carrots, or spinach can be great additions.
• If you want to save time, you can use pre-cut chicken pieces or boneless chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the Batar da’an hot with a side of fluffy white rice or traditional Nigerian staples such as pounded yam or fufu. The neutral starch will help balance the spiciness of the stew and soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Batar da’an with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the stew to shine through. Pair it with a side of rice and some additional vegetables for a visually appealing presentation.