Name: Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491051H18M28S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Liberian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs. chicken drumsticks (about 6 drumsticks); 1 tsp. smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder; Sea salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 large onion – cut into cubes; 1 red bell pepper – cut into cubes; 1/2 green bell pepper – cut into cubes; 1 habanero pepper – (very hot; optional or reduce to half or substitute with crushed red pepper flakes); 4 garlic cloves – peeled; 2 tbsp. grass-fed ghee; 2 tbsp. tomato paste; 2 tbsp. coconut aminos; 1 tbsp. unsweetened almond butter (or peanut butter if not on Whole30); 1/2 tsp. garlic seasoning; 1/2 cup compliant or homemade chicken bone broth; 2 tbsp. olive oil; 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley or Thai basil leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 33 reviews

If you are craving something hearty, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors, the Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a rich, spicy sauce with the perfect balance of smokiness, sweetness, and heat. It’s a beautiful celebration of West African flavors, made incredibly easy and quick with the magic of an Instant Pot. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that also impresses with its exotic flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny metal pot, there are six cooked chicken drumsticks covered in a thick reddish-brown sauce. The chicken pieces show a slightly crispy, browned skin texture sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The sauce has a rich, smooth consistency that partly coats the chicken and pools around the bottom of the pot. The pot itself has a shiny metal inner surface with some marks of cooking on the edges. The entire scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The charm of this Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the earthy turmeric adding color and warmth, to the fiery habanero pepper that brings the authentic punch of spice. These ingredients not only guarantee a rich flavor but also contribute to the dish’s beautiful texture and mouthwatering aroma.

1.5 lbs. chicken drumsticks: The star protein, perfect for soaking up all the spices and sauce.
1 tsp. smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the peppers.
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder: Brings a vibrant golden color and subtle earthiness.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors to perfection.
Black pepper: Provides a mild heat and sharp bite.
2 tbsp. grass-fed ghee: For a rich, buttery base with a hint of nuttiness.
1 large onion, cubed: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
1 red bell pepper, cubed: Sweetness and bright color in every bite.
1/2 green bell pepper, cubed: Slightly more bitter notes to balance the sweetness.
1 habanero pepper: Brings intense heat; can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.
4 garlic cloves, peeled: Infuses the dish with pungent, aromatic goodness.
2 tbsp. tomato paste: Adds richness and a slight tangy depth.
2 tbsp. coconut aminos: A naturally sweet alternative to soy, deepening umami.
1 tbsp. unsweetened almond butter: For creaminess and a subtle nutty undertone.
1/2 tsp. garlic seasoning: Reinforces garlic flavor for extra punch.
1/2 cup compliant or homemade chicken bone broth: Keeps the chicken moist and boosts savory flavors.
2 tbsp. olive oil: Helps with sautéing and adds a touch of fruitiness.
2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley or Thai basil leaves: For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by giving those chicken drumsticks some love. Toss them with smoked paprika, turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper. This coating sets the foundation for the vibrant flavors you’ll soon enjoy, while also giving the chicken an inviting color that’s hard to resist.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Switch your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the grass-fed ghee along with olive oil. Once shimmering, add the cubed onions, red and green bell peppers, habanero pepper, and garlic cloves. Let them cook down until they are soft and fragrant, coaxing out their natural sweetness and melding their flavors together.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Now stir in the tomato paste, coconut aminos, garlic seasoning, and almond butter. This mixture will thicken and deepen the sauce, balancing the heat from the habanero and bringing a unique creamy texture that clings delightfully to every piece of chicken.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks into the pot, pour in the chicken bone broth, and give everything a gentle stir to combine. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook for 15 minutes. This step ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with those rich Liberian-inspired spices.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before opening the lid. Give the sauce a quick stir to mix everything together. At this point, you’ll notice the sauce has thickened beautifully and wrapped around the succulent pieces of chicken.

How to Serve Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe

Inside a round stainless steel pot, six cooked drumsticks are arranged with golden brown, crispy skin showing some dark roasted spots. The drumsticks have a shiny, slightly oily texture and the skin looks seasoned with black pepper and herbs. A pair of silver tongs held by a woman's hand is gripping one drumstick near the center. The inside of the pot has some remnants of cooking oil and small browned bits around the drumsticks. The background is softly blurred but appears neutral. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your plate, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or Thai basil over the top. The herbs add a perfect fresh contrast to the deep, spicy flavors and bring a bright pop of color that makes each serving visually irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed white rice, which is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed greens or mashed plantains to keep things authentically West African and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the pepper chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside grilled vegetables. You could also transform it into a hearty filling for wraps or make a spicy chicken stew bowl topped with avocado slices and crunchy nuts for texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for a delicious meal prep option that reheats beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to keep this flavorful dish longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. The sauce holds up well, so you can expect the same depth of flavor when you thaw and reheat it within 2 to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Warm it just until heated through to keep the chicken juicy and the spices vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe and will be just as tender and flavorful.

How spicy is the dish with the habanero included?

The habanero adds a serious kick, so if you prefer mild heat, you can omit it or substitute with crushed red pepper flakes for just a gentle warmth.

Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?

Yes, if you use almond butter instead of peanut butter and ensure your chicken bone broth and other ingredients are Whole30 compliant, this recipe fits perfectly into that eating plan.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can cook it in a pot on the stovetop by simmering the chicken in the sauce for about 40-50 minutes until tender.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, soy sauce or tamari are good substitutes, but be mindful of added sugars or gluten if that’s a concern.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Instant Pot Liberian Inspired Pepper Chicken Recipe that makes you feel like you’ve traveled to West Africa from the comfort of your kitchen. It’s bold, comforting, and bursting with layers of flavor that bring joy to every bite. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for a taste adventure that’s simple, quick, and deeply satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!