One-Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Plantains

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

Spiced jerk chicken thighs cooked with caramelized sweet plantains in one pan for an easy, flavorful Caribbean dinner. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, ripe plantains 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 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, coating evenly; let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Peel and slice 2 medium ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and add 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, and the plantain slices around the chicken; cook for 5 minutes, turning plantains occasionally until golden and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze 1 tbsp lime juice over the chicken and plantains, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and plantains are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 One-Pan Caribbean Jerk 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 One-Pan Caribbean Jerk 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 One-Pan Caribbean Jerk 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.

Is One-Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Plantains 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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