One-Pot Spiced Caribbean Chicken with Sweet Plantains

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

A vibrant one-pot dish combining tender Caribbean-spiced chicken thighs with caramelized sweet plantains for a balanced sweet and savory meal. This Caribbean-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, ripe plantains, olive oil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pat 6 bone-in chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook 3 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Peel and slice 2 medium ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick diagonal pieces. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add plantain slices and cook for 4-5 minutes until edges caramelize and turn golden.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, pour in 1 cup chicken broth, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and broth has thickened slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lid and squeeze 2 tbsp fresh lime juice over the chicken and plantains. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spiced Caribbean 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 Spiced Caribbean 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-Pot Spiced Caribbean 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 Spiced Caribbean 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-Pot Spiced Caribbean 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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