Coconut and Turmeric Slow Cooker Caribbean Chicken Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and fragrant Caribbean-inspired chicken stew slow-cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, and warming spices for tender, flavorful meat. This caribbean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, (14 oz) coconut milk, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, place 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp allspice. Pour in 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk and add 1 whole pierced scotch bonnet pepper for heat (optional).
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium sliced carrots and 1 medium diced red bell pepper. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
  4. Step 4: Remove the scotch bonnet pepper carefully. Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite grain.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut and Turmeric Slow Cooker Caribbean Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut and Turmeric Slow Cooker Caribbean Chicken Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut and Turmeric Slow Cooker Caribbean Chicken Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut and Turmeric Slow Cooker Caribbean Chicken Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut and Turmeric Slow Cooker Caribbean Chicken Stew?

Caribbean slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes