One-Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Plantains

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

A vibrant one-pot dish combining spicy jerk-seasoned chicken with sweet caramelized plantains, infused with tropical flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, olive oil 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 large ripe plantains sliced into 1/2-inch pieces, cooking for 3 minutes until they start to caramelize.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Remove the lid, stir in 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce sauce.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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-Pot 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 jerk seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot 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-Pot 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken 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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