One-Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

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

A vibrant Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with sweet potatoes and bold jerk spices in one pot for a flavorful, hearty meal. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, jerk seasoning 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 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: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Rub 6 bone-in chicken thighs evenly with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and sear them skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 large diced yellow onion, and 1 diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups chicken broth, 2 diced medium sweet potatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, squeeze 2 tbsp lime juice over the dish, and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes 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 Potatoes?

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-Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Potatoes 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 Potatoes?

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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