Automatic Sofrito Chicken with Plantains
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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 medium ripe plantains
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (made with 1 onion, 2 green peppers, 3 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup oil) sofrito base
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my Puerto Rican in-laws and they said it's the best sofrito they've had in years. So simple but so authentic!
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my Tuesday night dinner! The plantains caramelized perfectly and my kids actually asked for more.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a lazy Sunday. Smelled like my abuela's kitchen while cooking—worth the 20-minute prep.
