Achiote-Marinated Chicken with Roasted Plantains

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

Tender chicken marinated in a vibrant achiote paste, roasted to perfection and served alongside caramelized plantains for a taste of Puerto Rican comfort. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, achiote paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the achiote paste, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, turning to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken roasts, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the plantain slices and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and caramelized, turning occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Serve the roasted chicken with the caramelized plantains on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Achiote-Marinated Chicken with Roasted Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Achiote-Marinated Chicken with Roasted Plantains?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Achiote-Marinated Chicken with Roasted Plantains?

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 Achiote-Marinated Chicken with Roasted Plantains 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 Achiote-Marinated Chicken with Roasted Plantains?

Puerto Rican chicken 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes