One-Pot Spicy Caribbean Jerk Chicken Stew
A hearty Caribbean-inspired chicken stew simmered with bold jerk spices and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal with a kick. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 small, finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium, peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown in the oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy; transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Lower heat to medium, add 1 large diced onion, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper; cook for 1 minute until spices bloom.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices and 2 cups chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the pot bottom.
- Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the pot and add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup cooked black beans and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes until heated through and stew thickens slightly.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Caribbean Jerk Chicken Stew take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Jerk Chicken Stew?
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 Spicy Caribbean Jerk Chicken Stew?
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 Jerk Chicken Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Jerk Chicken Stew?
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.
