Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup is a flavorful and aromatic dish that holds a special place in Nigerian cuisine. It’s a warming, spicy broth traditionally enjoyed as a starter or served as comfort food, especially during cold weather or when someone’s feeling under the weather.
Made with tender pieces of chicken, an array of bold spices like uziza seeds, and a blend of native herbs, this soup is both hearty and medicinal.
I love how it balances heat and rich flavors, making it perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet nights at home.
How To Make Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Nigerian
Yield: Serves 4
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon pepper soup spice mix (I get mine from an African market)
- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish (optional)
- 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 seasoning cubes
- 4-5 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil or scent leaves (optional, but adds an authentic flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare The Chicken
I start by thoroughly washing and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I prefer to use bone-in chicken as it adds a richer flavor to the broth.
2. Sauté The Aromatics
In a large pot, I heat a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and ground ginger until they become fragrant. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add The Chicken
Once the aromatics are ready, I add the chicken pieces into the pot. I stir the chicken to coat it with the onions and spices, then cook it for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Add Water And Spices
Next, I pour in about 4-5 cups of water, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Then, I add the pepper soup spice mix, ground crayfish (if using), thyme, seasoning cubes, and salt.
5. Simmer The Soup
I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. I let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this point, I add the chopped scotch bonnet peppers for that signature heat.
6. Adjust Seasoning And Serve
After 35 minutes, the chicken should be tender, and the broth infused with the perfect blend of spices. I taste the soup and adjust the salt and seasoning if necessary. I also add chopped fresh basil or scent leaves just before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
Serving Suggestions Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup
Serve Hot With Accompaniments
I enjoy serving this Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup piping hot, straight from the pot. Traditionally, it’s paired with side dishes like boiled yams, plantains, or rice. Sometimes, I serve it on its own for a light, brothy meal.
Spice Adjustment
If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or leave them out entirely. The pepper soup will still be incredibly flavorful, just with less heat.
Tips And Variations Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup
Use Fish Or Goat Meat
Although chicken is common, you can make this soup with catfish, tilapia, or even goat meat. Each variation has its own unique flavor, and I love switching it up depending on what I have available.
Experiment With Spices
The key to a great pepper soup is the spice blend. You can buy a pre-made pepper soup spice mix, but feel free to adjust the ratio of spices like uziza seeds, alligator pepper, and calabash nutmeg to your preference.
Add Vegetables
Some days, I throw in chunks of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green peppers for added texture and nutrients. They soak up the flavors of the broth beautifully.
Health Benefits Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup
Boosts Immunity
This soup is not only delicious but also packed with immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers. These ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help you fight off colds and flu.
Great For Digestion
I find that the spicy broth helps to clear sinuses and aids digestion, especially after a heavy meal. The warmth of the soup also soothes sore throats.
High In Protein
With its lean chicken pieces, this soup provides a healthy dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Special Note
Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup is more than just a meal. In Nigeria, it’s often served at special occasions or family gatherings, and it’s a dish that brings people together. It’s also commonly enjoyed by nursing mothers for its healing properties, especially after childbirth.
Conclusion
Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup is a flavorful, nutritious, and spicy delight that I love preparing for family or whenever I need something comforting.
Whether you’re familiar with Nigerian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe will warm you from the inside out. Give it a try, and I promise, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
- 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon pepper soup spice mix I get mine from an African market
- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish optional
- 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers chopped (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 seasoning cubes
- 4-5 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil or scent leaves optional, but adds an authentic flavor
InstructionsÂ
Prepare The Chicken
- I start by thoroughly washing and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I prefer to use bone-in chicken as it adds a richer flavor to the broth.
Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot, I heat a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and ground ginger until they become fragrant. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add The Chicken
- Once the aromatics are ready, I add the chicken pieces into the pot. I stir the chicken to coat it with the onions and spices, then cook it for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
Add Water And Spices
- Next, I pour in about 4-5 cups of water, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Then, I add the pepper soup spice mix, ground crayfish (if using), thyme, seasoning cubes, and salt.
Simmer The Soup
- I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. I let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this point, I add the chopped scotch bonnet peppers for that signature heat.
Adjust Seasoning And Serve
- After 35 minutes, the chicken should be tender, and the broth infused with the perfect blend of spices. I taste the soup and adjust the salt and seasoning if necessary. I also add chopped fresh basil or scent leaves just before serving.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.