How To Make Short-cut Jamaican Inspired Stew Chicken In Instant Pot

Experience some elements of Jamaica with this short-cut Instant Pot Brown Stew Chicken: tender, seasoned chicken cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce infused with island spices and herbs. A taste of the Caribbean in every bite!

Brown Stew Chicken in an Instant Pot for a quick twist on a rich and delicious Caribbean classic dish. The rich, complex flavors blow away any other stewed chicken.

Related Caribbean Chicken Posts:

• Haitian Fried Chicken
• Smoked Jerk Chicken
• Jamaican Curry Chicken

Enter the realm of flavor-forward cooking with an Instant Pot Brown Stew Chicken, a dish as rich in taste as Schoolboy Q's "Black Folk" is in rhythm. Picture succulent chicken simmered to perfection in a medley of herbs, spices, and savory goodness, echoing the soulful beats of a musical masterpiece.

This dope dish promises to tantalize your taste buds, marrying the depth of slow-cooked flavors with the modern convenience of the Instant Pot, all while vibing to the soul-stirring sounds of Schoolboy Q.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Stewed Chicken)

I’ve been making brown stew chicken for years using the traditional method of long slow stew on the stovetop with browning sauce. I was asked to make a chicken instant pot recipe, so figured I’d try to convert my brown stew chicken recipe.

In its simplest form, this is just an instant pot bbq chicken recipe. But you know black folks don’t just do simple. This “bbq chicken” is tricked out and leveled up to the nines!

Black Folk" by Schoolboy Q pairs well with Instant Pot brown stew chicken due to its soulful and rhythmic nature that mirrors the rich and flavorful essence of the dish. The song's deep bassline and introspective lyrics create a mood of authenticity and cultural depth, much like the traditional Jamaican flavors found in the stew.

Both the song and the dish evoke a sense of heritage and soulfulness, making them a harmonious combination that appeals to the senses and emotions alike.

what is brown stew chicken?

Brown stew chicken is a common dish found throughout the Caribbean, most notably Jamaica. It’s essentially caramelized chicken pieces that are stewed in a flavorful brown sauce made from burnt sugar. It is the sauce that gives the dish its name and during cooking renders that delicious dark brown gravy.

I cheated in this version. Rather than making a burnt sugar-based brown sauce in my instant pot, I substituted a recent jerk bbq sauce recipe I created. Though it’s lacking in those burnt sugar nodes, it packs mucho gobs of flavor and maintains that dark brown color.

Brown Stew Chicken Ingredients

The most complicated ingredient in this recipe is the jerk bbq sauce and it’s merely a doctored up store-bought sauce. However, its flavor is bold! Also, technique plays a big role in driving the outstanding flavor. Chicken + Sauce + peppers and onions.

• Chicken drumsticks
• Chicken Thighs - I prefer bone-in but boneless skinless chicken thighs can work just as well. Chicken breasts can be tricky to cook as they're easy to overcook.
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Jerk Barbecue Sauce - I used a doctored up barbecue sauce that involved mixing together a basic barbecue sauce and Walkerswood Jerk Marinade which is sold in most grocery stores. You can also make your own marinade using this homemade recipe.
• Chicken stock

How To Make This Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe (Step by Step)

Step 1: Season the chicken

Step 2: Brown The Chicken 

Guidance for browning chicken is in the caption but try my earlier detailed post on how to brown meat in instant pot without sticking for optimal results.

Add the chicken pieces skin side down and saute 2-3 minutes. Move the chicken around with tongs to prevent too much sticking. Flip the chicken and brown for another 2 minutes. Remove the browned chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Add the onions and garlic

Step 4: Add the peppers

Step 5: Deglaze the pan

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Serving Suggestions

Brown stew chicken and rice go together like shrimp and grits or pork and beans. Otherwise, you can just load up on the chicken and have some bread on hand to sop up the sauce/gravy which is so deliciously complex.

Try it with this coconut ginger rice which is special in its own right.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Stewed Chicken

Here are some delicious options to serve alongside Instant Pot brown stew chicken:

1. Rice and Peas: A classic Jamaican side dish made with rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, and spices.
2. Fried Plantains: Sweet and caramelized, they complement the savory flavors of the stew.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and green beans make a colorful and nutritious addition.
4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the chicken.
5. Jamaican Festival: Sweet cornmeal fritters that are perfect for dipping into the stew's sauce.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Tender and flavorful, they add a hearty element to the meal. I also like roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes as well.
7. Cornbread: A Southern-style cornbread pairs well with the flavors of the stew.
8. Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing.
9. Fried Dumplings: Fluffy and golden-brown, they soak up the stew's delicious sauce.
10. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.

Expert Tips For Making Brown Stew Chicken

• The chicken will stick to the instant pot pan during the saute step. Don't worry you'll be okay as long as you don't let it cook too long. I used tongs and moved the chicken around some as I wanted to brown the chicken as well as get that good caramelization.
• Deglaze the pan with the sauce before pressure cooking. Those brown bits of chicken skin will add great flavor to the dish.
• Don't fret if you don't have an instant pot, this recipe easily works in a slow cooker. Just be sure to brown the chicken and saute the vegetables in a pan first
• The sauce is well seasoned, so no need to add any additional salt, otherwise, this dish will be too salty.
• Coconut oil gives the dish an extra Caribbean element, but don't buy any just for this recipe. Canola or olive oil works just fine
• Don't crowd the pan when browning the chicken initially. Brown in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding which makes caramelization nearly impossible and robs you of additional flavor.
• I use the quick pressure release approach but it's acceptable to go with pressure release naturally for a few minutes before manually releasing to get rid of any remaining pressure.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for Instant Pot brown stew chicken:

1. Chicken Cuts:
   • Chicken Thighs: Substitute bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
   • Chicken Drumsticks: Adds a fun and easy-to-eat element to the dish.
   • Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a leaner alternative.
2. Flavor Enhancements:
   • Allspice: Add a pinch of ground allspice for a traditional Jamaican flavor.
   • Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper: For those who like it spicy, add chopped peppers for heat.
   • Jamaican Jerk Seasoning: Use jerk dry seasoning on the chicken for a spicy and aromatic twist.
3. Vegetable Additions:
   • Potatoes: Cubed potatoes can be added for a heartier stew.
   • Okra: Traditional in some Caribbean stews, adds a unique texture.
4. Liquid Base:
   • Coconut Milk: Substitute part or all of the broth with coconut milk for a creamy and tropical flavor.
   • Red Wine: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
   • Beef Broth: Use beef broth instead of chicken broth for a deeper flavor profile.
5. Fresh Herbs:
   • Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs add a fragrant aroma.
   • Parsley or Cilantro: Chopped herbs for garnish and freshness.
6. Accompaniments:
   • Rice Varieties: Serve with white rice, jasmine rice, or coconut rice for a complete meal.
   • Roti or Naan: Enjoy the stew with Indian flatbreads for a fusion twist.
   • Cornmeal Dumplings: Add homemade dumplings to soak up the delicious sauce.

Instant Pot Brown Stew Chicken Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of chicken should I use?

Traditional stewed chicken recipes call for whole parts of a chicken, but for this recipe, I chose to use thighs and legs. I prefer darker pieces for the flavor and you don't have to worry about them drying out.

Should I marinate the chicken?

You can definitely marinate the chicken if you have time, but honestly, with the instant pot, it's not necessary. Between the pressure cooker and the sauce, you'll get plenty of flavor despite so few ingredients and steps; pressure cooking will drive the sauce flavors deep into the chicken for all types of wonderful goodness.

Is brown stew chicken spicy?

Yes, it can be but doesn't have to be. It really depends on your preference. Many traditional recipes use scotch bonnet peppers, as does mine. My trick is to use a whole pepper and just add slits, such that the chilis heat minimally infuses the dish.

I don't recommend for instant pot though as the pressure will break down the pepper and leave the seeds in the dish making for a blazing hot dish. The jerk bbq sauce has some mild heat and is sufficient. If you like the super hot version, then just add your favorite hot sauce.

How to thicken brown stew chicken?

The instant pot doesn't produce as thick of a sauce as traditional cooking, but there is a simple remedy for this if you prefer the more traditional brown gravy. The saute function is the MVP of the instant pot.

After you've removed the chicken, simply make a quick corn starch slurry (mix a little corn starch and some cold water in a bowl) then add it to the sauce and sauce in the instant pot. The sauce should thicken up in minutes. If you could care less about the consistency, then just go for it.

What to serve with brown stew chicken?

Jamaican brown stew chicken is normally eaten with rice and peas. I prefer a nice bowl of coconut rice topped with chicken, peppers, and gravy. For my keto friends cauliflower, rice will do the trick.

Can This Be Made without an Instant Pot?

Yes indeed, and traditional Brown stew chicken is cooked on stovetop. Try this authentic Jamaican brown stew chicken recipe which is loaded with flavor.

For other instant pot recipes try these:

• Instant Pot Smoked Brisket Collard Greens
• Instant Pot Ham and Beans Stew
• Instant Pot Smoked Chicken and Okra Stew
• Instant Pot Creole Green Beans
• Instant Pot Coconut Braised Brussel Sprouts
• Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Thighs
• Instant Pot Cabbage with Andouille Sausage
• Instant Pot Okra Soup
• Instant Pot Black-eyed Peas
• Instant Pot Country Style Ribs

Make This Recipe

Add this Jamaican inspired stewed chicken to you collection of instant pot chicken recipes. As if cooked in a standard pot it brings together a medley of flavors that are rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. The tender chicken, infused with Caribbean spices and herbs, creates a dish that embodies the vibrant and soulful essence of Jamaican cuisine.

Whether served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a side of coleslaw, this hearty and flavorful stew is sure to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica with every delicious bite.

If you make this comforting and flavorful brown stew chicken recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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