Slow-Cooked Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash

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

Succulent chicken slow-cooked in a spicy Caribbean jerk marinade served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting, island-inspired dinner. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 360 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the marinated chicken and any leftover marinade to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add 3 peeled and cubed large sweet potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 cup coconut milk, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy. Serve the jerk chicken atop the sweet potato mash, spooning over some cooking juices.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Potato Mash?

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 Potato Mash?

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 Potato Mash 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 Sweet Potato Mash?

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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