Spiced Rum-Braised Caribbean Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs slow-braised in a rich spiced rum and tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, spiced rum, (14 oz) crushed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup spiced rum
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Step 2: Flip chicken and cook 3 minutes more, then remove from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 cloves minced garlic to the pan, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup spiced rum, scraping up browned bits, then stir in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Return chicken thighs to skillet, cover, and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove thyme sprigs, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top, and serve with rice or crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Rum-Braised Caribbean Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Rum-Braised Caribbean Chicken Thighs?
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 spiced rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum-Braised Caribbean Chicken Thighs?
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 Rum-Braised Caribbean Chicken Thighs 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 Rum-Braised Caribbean Chicken Thighs?
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.
