Slow Cooker Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Sweet Plantains

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

Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a bright citrus and garlic sauce, served alongside caramelized sweet plantains for a balanced meal. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 370 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, minced garlic cloves 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: 10 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, whisk together 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the slow cooker, turning to coat in the citrus-garlic sauce.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: About 15 minutes before serving, heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium peeled and diagonally sliced plantains and sauté for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken thighs with spoonfuls of the cooking sauce and caramelized plantains on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Sweet Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 370 minutes (10 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 Citrus-Garlic 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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Citrus-Garlic 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 Cooker Citrus-Garlic 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.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Citrus-Garlic Chicken with Sweet Plantains?

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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