Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

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

Tender chicken thighs infused with spicy jerk seasoning slowly cooked alongside sweet potatoes for a warming, regional Caribbean flavor. This Caribbean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, sweet potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 6 bone-in chicken thighs (3 lbs) evenly with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, coating all sides thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: In a slow cooker, layer 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces and 1 medium sliced yellow onion. Add 4 minced garlic cloves on top.
  3. Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken thighs over the vegetables. Pour 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp lime juice around the chicken, then drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over everything.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes 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 Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes 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 Slow Cooker Caribbean-Inspired Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potatoes?

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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