Creating delicious Nigerian Chicken Stew is a breeze once you follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
2. Blend the Vegetables: In a blender, combine the tomatoes, bell peppers, and optional habanero peppers. Blend until smooth.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Allow it to get hot (but not smoking).
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent.
5. Add Blended Mixture: Pour the blended vegetable mixture into the pot. Allow it to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Season: Add the curry powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and ground crayfish (if using). Stir well to combine the spices with the sauce.
7. Add Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
8. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot with a lid.
9. Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
10. Final Taste Check: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water as needed.
11. Garnish: At the end of cooking, sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves (if using) for an added layer of flavor.

These steps will guide you toward making an amazing and satisfying chicken stew that everyone will love.