Spiced Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables

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

A hearty and comforting chicken stew infused with warm Caribbean spices and tender root vegetables simmered to perfection. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes until golden; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground oregano, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes until the spices bloom and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pot along with 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups peeled and chopped yuca, 1 cup diced sweet potato, and 1 cup sliced carrots. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Spiced Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Spiced Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Spiced Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Root Vegetables?

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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