Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Plantains

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

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a spicy, aromatic jerk marinade paired with caramelized sweet plantains for an authentic Caribbean meal. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 435 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, minced garlic cloves 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: 420 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 chopped scallions, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Place the marinated chicken thighs in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.
  3. Step 3: About 15 minutes before serving, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 large peeled and diagonally sliced ripe plantains and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and caramelized. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Serve the slow-cooked jerk chicken hot with fried sweet plantains on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 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 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk 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 Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk 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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