Dominican Chicken Stew with Plantains and Coconut

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

Tender chicken pieces simmered with plantains and coconut milk for a rich, flavorful stew. This dominican-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, peeled and cubed green plantain, (13.5 oz) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 30 min Serves 4 Dominican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 medium diced tomato, 1 cup cubed green plantain, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp oregano, and 1 can coconut milk.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and plantains are soft.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Dominican Chicken Stew with Plantains and Coconut take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Dominican Chicken Stew with Plantains and Coconut?

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 (13.5 oz) coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dominican Chicken Stew with Plantains and Coconut?

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 Dominican Chicken Stew with Plantains and Coconut 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 Dominican Chicken Stew with Plantains and Coconut?

Dominican 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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