Citrus-Infused Caribbean Chicken Stew

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

A vibrant Caribbean chicken stew bursting with citrus and aromatic spices, simmered to tender perfection. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 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 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season 4 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp allspice powder, then brown them in the oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup orange juice and 1/4 cup lime juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 peeled and cubed potatoes, and 2 sliced carrots. Stir well.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Caribbean Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Citrus-Infused Caribbean Chicken Stew?

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 Citrus-Infused Caribbean Chicken Stew?

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 Citrus-Infused Caribbean Chicken Stew 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 Citrus-Infused Caribbean Chicken Stew?

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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