Trinidadian Stewed Chicken with Caribbean Green Seasoning
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a vibrant blend of Caribbean herbs and spices, capturing the bold flavors of Trinidad and Tobago. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, Caribbean green seasoning, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Caribbean green seasoning
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and rub evenly with 1/2 cup Caribbean green seasoning, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 medium chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme. Sauté for 3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (whole to infuse heat without overwhelming) and cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, add 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 35 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Step 6: Remove the scotch bonnet pepper, stir in 1/4 cup chopped scallions and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Serve hot with rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Trinidadian Stewed Chicken with Caribbean Green Seasoning take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (40 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 Trinidadian Stewed Chicken with Caribbean Green Seasoning?
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 Trinidadian Stewed Chicken with Caribbean Green Seasoning?
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 Trinidadian Stewed Chicken with Caribbean Green Seasoning 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 Trinidadian Stewed Chicken with Caribbean Green Seasoning?
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.
