Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe is one of the first dishes that comes to mind. This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in Nigerian cuisine and is cherished for its rich, spicy, and aromatic qualities. Whether you’re battling a cold or just want to enjoy a warm, savory meal, this soup offers a perfect blend of spices and tender chicken that warms both the body and soul.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of making this delicious soup, sharing tips on how to adjust the spice levels to your preference and ensuring that the chicken is perfectly tender. Whether you’re new to Nigerian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this Chicken Pepper Soup will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household.
How To Make Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe?
Recipe Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Nigerian
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon Nigerian pepper soup spice mix
- 1 teaspoon ground crayfish
- 2 teaspoons ground chili pepper (or to taste)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 bouillon cubes
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water
- Fresh basil or scent leaves (Nchuanwu), for garnish
Instructions
Prepare The Ingredients
First, I always start by gathering all the ingredients. This makes the cooking process seamless and more enjoyable. I wash the chicken thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook The Chicken
In a large pot, I place the chicken pieces and add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and bouillon cubes. I pour in the water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, I reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked.
Add The Spices
Now, I add the Nigerian pepper soup spice mix, ground crayfish, and ground chili pepper to the pot. I stir everything together and let the soup continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. The aroma at this point is absolutely amazing!
Season And Simmer
I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if needed. Then, I let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Finish And Serve
Finally, I garnish the soup with fresh basil or scent leaves, adding a burst of color and freshness. The soup is now ready to serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Serving Suggestions Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe
I love serving this chicken pepper soup with some boiled yams or plantains on the side. It also pairs beautifully with rice or any traditional Nigerian side dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips And Variations Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe
Customize The Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the level of chili pepper to suit your spice tolerance. You can also add more or less of the pepper soup spice mix depending on your preference.
Use Fresh Herbs
If you can’t find scent leaves, fresh basil or mint can be used as substitutes to add a refreshing aroma to the soup.
Add Vegetables
For a heartier version, you can include vegetables like carrots or potatoes. They add extra nutrition and texture to the soup.
Health Benefits Of Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe
Rich In Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. This soup provides a good dose of protein in every serving.
Immune-Boosting
The spices and herbs used in this soup, like ginger and garlic, have immune-boosting properties that help fight off colds and infections.
Low In Calories
This soup is low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without consuming too many calories.
Special Note
I always make sure to adjust the ingredients to my taste and feel free to experiment with different flavors. This recipe is a great starting point, but I encourage you to make it your own by adding or substituting ingredients as you see fit.
Why Is My Nigerian Pepper Soup Bitter?
Nigerian pepper soup can taste bitter for several reasons. Sometimes, the spices can be too strong. I often find that over-roasting the spices can make the soup bitter.
Unripe or incorrect quantities of spices can also cause bitterness. Another reason might be overcooking certain ingredients like uziza leaves. When I use bitter leaves, I always wash them thoroughly to remove excess bitterness.
Using too much of any spice can overwhelm the soup’s flavor balance. I suggest tasting the soup as I cook and adjusting the seasoning gradually.
Conclusion
Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup is a delicious, warming, and nutritious dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving a comforting meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
With its bold flavors and inviting aroma, it’s a true celebration of Nigerian culinary tradition. Enjoy making and savoring this wonderful recipe!
Nigerian Chicken Pepper Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients Â
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon Nigerian pepper soup spice mix
1 teaspoon ground crayfish
2 teaspoons ground chili pepper (or to taste)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2 bouillon cubes
Salt to taste
4 cups water
Fresh basil or scent leaves (Nchuanwu), for garnish
InstructionsÂ
Prepare The Ingredients
- First, I always start by gathering all the ingredients. This makes the cooking process seamless and more enjoyable. I wash the chicken thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook The Chicken
- In a large pot, I place the chicken pieces and add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and bouillon cubes. I pour in the water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, I reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is partially cooked.
Add The Spices
- Now, I add the Nigerian pepper soup spice mix, ground crayfish, and ground chili pepper to the pot. I stir everything together and let the soup continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. The aroma at this point is absolutely amazing!
Season And Simmer
- I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if needed. Then, I let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Finish And Serve
- Finally, I garnish the soup with fresh basil or scent leaves, adding a burst of color and freshness. The soup is now ready to serve hot and enjoy!
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.