Rum-Infused Spiced Caribbean Chicken Stew
Tender chicken simmered in a fragrant blend of Caribbean spices and a splash of rum, creating a hearty and aromatic stew. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs (about 2 pounds) bone-in chicken thighs, Cuban rum, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 (about 2 pounds) bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Cuban rum
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 (optional for heat) scotch bonnet pepper, minced
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Brown chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1 minced scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to blend spices.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the pot and pour in 1/4 cup Cuban rum, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Allow alcohol to cook off for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 sliced medium carrots, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 3 fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 35-40 minutes until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over, alongside rice or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Infused Spiced Caribbean 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 Rum-Infused Spiced Caribbean 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 cuban rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Infused Spiced Caribbean 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 Rum-Infused Spiced Caribbean 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 Rum-Infused Spiced Caribbean 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.
