Slow-Cooked Dominican Chicken with Plantains and Mojo Sauce
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant garlic-paprika sauce with caramelized plantains for a comforting, flavor-packed meal. This dominican-inspired latin american ready in about 60 minutes blends chicken thighs, medium ripe plantains, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 medium ripe plantains
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Step 3: Return chicken to the pot, add 1/4 cup white wine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: While chicken simmers, slice 2 medium ripe plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Add them to the pot in the last 10 minutes of cooking until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving, ensuring the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Dominican Chicken with Plantains and Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Dominican Chicken with Plantains and Mojo Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Dominican Chicken with Plantains and Mojo 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 Dominican Chicken with Plantains and Mojo 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 Dominican Chicken with Plantains and Mojo Sauce?
Dominican latin american 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids begged me to cook this again after dinner. The slow-cook method made the chicken fall-off-the-bone tender.
- ★★★★★
This recipe transported me straight to Santo Domingo. The plantains melted in my mouth—highly recommend!
- ★★★★★
The mojo sauce was perfection with the chicken—my family kept asking for seconds. Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner.