Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Sauce

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

Juicy chicken slow-cooked with a fragrant jerk seasoning and served with a vibrant, tangy pineapple sauce to balance the heat. This Caribbean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 315 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, fresh pineapple chunks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 300 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) evenly with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely diced small onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and brown on each side for 3-4 minutes, then transfer all contents to a slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: In a blender, combine 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1 chopped scotch bonnet pepper (seeded for less heat), 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Blend until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour the pineapple sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Sauce?

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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Sauce?

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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Sauce 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Sauce?

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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