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Caribbean Chicken and Rice

Caribbean Chicken and Rice – Tropical Flavor in Every Bite
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Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this delightful Caribbean Chicken and Rice recipe. This vibrant one-pot meal features juicy chicken thighs marinated in bold spices, perfectly seared or grilled, and then simmered with aromatic rice infused with creamy coconut milk. Each bite is a tropical escape, bursting with flavor and complemented by colorful vegetables and herbs. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this dish pairs beautifully with plantains or mango salsa for an authentic island experience. Enjoy a comforting yet healthy meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers (optional, adjust for heat)
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp curry powder (optional but traditional in some regions)
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup canned kidney beans or pigeon peas (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Sear until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side), then remove from the pot.
  2. In the same pot, sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and optional Scotch bonnet peppers until softened (4–5 minutes). Stir in thyme, allspice, and curry powder.
  3. Add rice to the pot, mixing well with spices and vegetables.
  4. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth; add browned chicken back into the mixture.
  5. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 25–30 minutes until rice is fluffy and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let rest covered for 5 minutes before serving. Fluff rice gently and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://happycookingtime.com/caribbean-chicken-and-rice-tropical-flavor-in-every-bite/