Spiced Caribbean Instant Chicken Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant chicken stew simmered with Caribbean spices and tomatoes, made quickly for a warming, flavorful meal. This caribbean-inspired instant pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs vegetable oil, large, chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thigh chunks and brown for 5 minutes until edges are golden but chicken is not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 small deseeded and finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh), 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, and cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the pot along with 2 medium sliced carrots and 2 medium diced potatoes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 minutes until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Caribbean Instant Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Spiced Caribbean Instant 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Caribbean Instant 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 Spiced Caribbean Instant Chicken Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Caribbean Instant Chicken Stew?

Caribbean instant pot 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.

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