Caribbean-Style Chicken Stew with Sweet Plantains

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and aromatic chicken stew simmered with Caribbean spices, complemented by sweet fried plantains for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: While the stew simmers, peel 2 large ripe plantains and slice into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized, then drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: Remove the stew from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the stew hot with the fried plantains on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Chicken Stew with Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 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 Caribbean-Style Chicken Stew 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Chicken Stew 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 Caribbean-Style Chicken Stew 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 Caribbean-Style Chicken Stew 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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