Chicken Peppersoup
CHICKEN PEPPERSOUP is a easy Nigerian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Amors on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 29 min | Total: 54 min
Cost: $41.71 total, $10.43 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole Chicken (cut into small chunks; any parts can be used)
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar (for washing the chicken)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (for washing the chicken)
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 large Onion (finely chopped; can be minced to hide pieces)
- 2 pieces Scotch Bonnet Pepper (very spicy; crush before adding)
- 2 pieces Bird's Eye Chili Pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1 piece Seasoning Cube (e.g., Maggi or Knorr)
- 6 cups Water (approximately 1.5 L; adjust as needed)
- 2 tbsp Cameroon Pepper Soup Spice Blend (authentic African pepper soup spice mix)
- 1 tbsp Crayfish Powder (adds umami; optional for seafood flavor)
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (chopped; adds color and mild sweetness)
Instructions
Cut the Chicken
Using a butcher knife, cut the whole chicken into bite‑size chunks.
Time: PT5M
Wash the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl, add 2 tbsp white vinegar and 2 tbsp lemon juice, stir, then rinse thoroughly under running water.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Aromatics
Finely chop the onion, measure 2 tbsp ginger‑garlic paste, and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Combine Chicken and Aromatics
Add the washed chicken to the pot, then stir in the ginger‑garlic paste, chopped onion, crushed Scotch bonnet peppers, and bird’s eye chilies. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 seasoning cube. Stir well to coat everything.
Time: PT3M
Steam the Chicken
Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture steam for 5‑7 minutes. This builds the base flavor.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium
Add Liquid and Spices
Pour in enough water (about 6 cups) to fully cover the chicken. Add 2 tbsp Cameroon pepper soup spice blend, 1 tbsp crayfish powder, and stir.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Simmer Until Tender
Cover again and simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the broth has reduced slightly.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Medium
Add Red Bell Pepper
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes for color and a hint of sweetness.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Final Taste and Serve
Give the soup a final stir, taste for seasoning, then ladle into bowls. Serve hot with white rice, boiled yam, or crusty bread.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free, High‑protein, Paleo‑friendly (if omitting seasoning cube with MSG)
Allergens: Crayfish (shellfish)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole Chicken: Chicken thighs, Chicken drumsticks, Boneless chicken pieces
- Instead of White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, Lemon juice
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Ginger Garlic Paste: Fresh minced ginger and garlic
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Green onions
- Instead of Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Habanero pepper, Bird's eye chili (for less heat)
- Instead of Bird's Eye Chili Pepper: Thai chili, Jalapeño
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Seasoning Cube: Bouillon powder
- Instead of Water: Chicken broth for richer flavor
- Instead of Cameroon Pepper Soup Spice Blend: Nigerian pepper soup spice mix
- Instead of Crayfish Powder: Shrimp powder, Fish sauce (use less)
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper, Paprika for color
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Butcher Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
- Measuring Spoons
- Stove
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Washing the chicken with vinegar and lemon to remove odor and bacteria.
- Steaming the chicken with spices for 5‑7 minutes to develop deep flavor.
- Simmering until the chicken is tender and the broth reduces.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh ginger‑garlic paste for a brighter flavor than jarred versions.
- Add a small knob of butter at the end for a silky mouthfeel (optional).
- For extra aroma, toast the pepper soup spice blend briefly before adding water.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is still tough after simmering.
Continue simmering on low heat, covered, until tender. You can also add a splash of water to prevent drying.
Soup is too watery.
Uncover the pot and simmer for a few more minutes to reduce, or add a teaspoon of tomato paste to thicken.
Soup is overly spicy.
Stir in a little extra water or a splash of coconut milk to mellow the heat, and add more lemon juice for balance.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pepper soup spice blend and store in an airtight jar for future use.
- The broth can be made a day ahead; refrigerate and add fresh chicken and peppers when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Simple Chicken Pepper Soup in Nigerian cuisine?
Chicken pepper soup is a traditional Nigerian comfort food often served at celebrations, during cold weather, or as a restorative broth after illness. It showcases the bold flavors of Scotch bonnet peppers and indigenous spice blends that have been used for generations.
What are the traditional regional variations of pepper soup in Nigerian cuisine?
In the Niger Delta, fish or goat meat is common, while the Eastern region favors catfish and adds uziza leaves. The Northern version may use milder peppers and incorporate grains like millet. Each region adjusts the spice blend and protein to local tastes.
How is Simple Chicken Pepper Soup authentically served in Nigeria?
It is traditionally served hot in a bowl, accompanied by boiled white rice, pounded yam, or eba (garri). It may also be enjoyed with a side of fried plantains or crusty bread for dipping.
On what occasions is Simple Chicken Pepper Soup traditionally prepared in Nigerian culture?
It is popular at weddings, naming ceremonies, and festive gatherings, as well as during rainy seasons and when someone is recovering from illness because of its warming and nourishing qualities.
What makes Simple Chicken Pepper Soup special in Nigerian cuisine?
The soup’s signature heat from Scotch bonnet peppers combined with a unique pepper soup spice blend creates a fragrant, clear broth that highlights the tenderness of the chicken while delivering a comforting spiciness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Simple Chicken Pepper Soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry; adding too many hot peppers without balancing the broth; and skipping the steaming step, which reduces depth of flavor. Follow the timing and seasoning steps carefully.
Why does this Simple Chicken Pepper Soup recipe use a steaming step before adding water?
Steaming the chicken with the aromatics and peppers helps lock in juices and extracts the essential oils from the Scotch bonnet, building a richer, more layered broth before the liquid is added.
Can I make Simple Chicken Pepper Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the broth a day ahead, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and add fresh chicken and peppers when reheating. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Simple Chicken Pepper Soup?
The broth should be clear, slightly reddish from the peppers, and the chicken pieces should be tender but not falling apart. The added red bell pepper gives a bright pop of color without turning mushy.
How do I know when Simple Chicken Pepper Soup is done cooking?
When the chicken is fork‑tender and the broth has reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon, the soup is ready. A quick taste should reveal balanced salt and heat.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Amors specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Amors focuses on simple, home‑cooked African and international recipes, emphasizing quick techniques, bold flavors, and budget‑friendly ingredients for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Amors' approach to Nigerian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Amors blends traditional Nigerian flavors with modern, easy‑to‑follow methods, often using minimal equipment and clear step‑by‑step visuals, making authentic dishes accessible to beginners compared to more elaborate or restaurant‑style tutorials.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
