Jamaican-Style Jerk Chicken with Plantain Mash

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

Tender chicken marinated in fiery jerk spices, accompanied by creamy plantain mash for a deeply flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, allspice, thyme 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) 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: Whisk 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 minced scotch bonnet pepper, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl. Rub mixture over 4 chicken thighs and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high. Cook chicken for 6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, boil 2 sliced plantains in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with 2 tablespoons butter and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Serve chicken topped with plantain mash and any remaining marinade from the skillet.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jamaican-Style Jerk Chicken with Plantain Mash 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 Jamaican-Style Jerk Chicken with Plantain Mash?

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 allspice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jamaican-Style Jerk Chicken with Plantain Mash?

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 Jamaican-Style Jerk Chicken with Plantain Mash 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.

Is Jamaican-Style Jerk Chicken with Plantain Mash gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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