Editorial sample recipeNigerianintermediateGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Nigerian Banga Braised Chicken Thighs With Sweet Bell Peppers

Name: Nigerian Banga Braised Chicken Thighs With Sweet Bell Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 1.5 lb bone-in skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat; 2 tbsp red palm oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely minced; 1 large red bell pepper, chopped into small pieces; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1.5 cup halal chicken stock

A comforting skillet braise inspired by Niger Delta banga flavor notes, featuring tender chicken braised in rich red palm oil, fresh tomatoes, aromatic thyme, and mild scotch bonnet heat.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 50 min

Technique to learn

Palm Oil Tempering

Gently heating unrefined red palm oil without overheating unlocks its deep earthy flavor while preventing smoke.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the red palm oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs and brown each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden, then transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
Step 3: In the remaining oil, sauté the diced yellow onion, garlic, and minced scotch bonnet pepper for 3 minutes until translucent.

Step 4: Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and dried thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes to soften the vegetables.

Step 5: Pour in the halal chicken stock, stirring thoroughly to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Uncover the skillet and let the gravy reduce for 3 minutes until slightly thickened before serving.

Cooking tips

Keep the skillet covered during the braise to keep the chicken moist and absorb the herbal thyme notes.
Adjust the scotch bonnet quantity according to your spice tolerance level.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Nigerian; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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