Baked Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Plantains

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

Tender chicken thighs baked in a tangy orange and lime glaze served alongside caramelized sweet plantains. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 40 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the citrus glaze over them, turning to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Bake the chicken thighs uncovered for 35-40 minutes, basting halfway through with the glaze, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, peel and slice 2 medium ripe sweet plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add plantain slices and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized, turning gently to avoid breaking.
  6. Step 6: Remove plantains and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  7. Step 7: Serve the baked chicken thighs garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro alongside the caramelized plantains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Baked Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Sweet 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Sweet 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 Baked Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Sweet 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 Baked Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Plantains?

Caribbean 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.

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