Automatic Sofrito Chicken with Plantains

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

Tender chicken thighs slow-simmered in a vibrant sofrito base with caramelized plantains, creating a deeply flavorful one-pan meal. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, medium ripe plantains, tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp paprika. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup sofrito base to the skillet, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until oil separates. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sofrito. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: While chicken simmers, peel and slice 2 medium plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Add to the skillet during the last 10 minutes of cooking, turning once to caramelize.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Automatic Sofrito Chicken with Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Automatic Sofrito Chicken with 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 Automatic Sofrito Chicken with 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 Automatic Sofrito Chicken with 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 Automatic Sofrito Chicken with Plantains?

Puerto Rican one 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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