One-Pot Spicy Caribbean Chicken with Sweet Plantains

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-03 · Updated 2026-08-03

A vibrant one-pot dish combining tender chicken simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with sweet fried plantains for a perfect balance of flavors. This Caribbean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 40 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1.5 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
1 pepper scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 medium ripe plantains, peeled and sliced diagonally
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 pounds chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then sear the chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook 3 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly. Add 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes over medium-low heat until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Step 5: While chicken simmers, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Fry 2 medium sliced ripe plantains for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized. Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Plate the chicken with sauce and top with the fried plantains. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 One-Pot Spicy 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy 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 Spicy 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Spicy Caribbean 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.