Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice Recipe That Sizzles with Flavor

Caribbean chicken and rice brings a vibrant culinary adventure to your dinner table, bursting with tropical flavors and rich cultural heritage.

Spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of taste that transports you to sun-drenched islands.

Bold seasonings elevate simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that sparks excitement and curiosity.

Fragrant herbs and zesty marinades infuse each bite with warmth and complexity, reflecting generations of cooking traditions.

Caribbean cuisine celebrates connection, blending influences from African, European, and indigenous cooking styles into one delectable experience.

Home cooks can easily recreate this soul-satisfying dish that balances heat, sweetness, and depth of flavor.

Authentic techniques ensure every plate tells a story of comfort and community.

Why Caribbean Chicken and Rice Is Full of Flavor

• Burst with Tropical Flavor: This Caribbean Chicken and Rice dish explodes with vibrant jerk seasoning and coconut milk, creating a mouthwatering blend of spicy and creamy flavors that transport you directly to island paradise.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Enjoy the ultimate convenience of preparing an entire meal in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing cooking efficiency while keeping all those delicious ingredients perfectly integrated.
• Quick and Accessible Cooking: With just 35-40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a speedy yet impressive meal that's approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, making weeknight dinners exciting and delicious.
• Nutritionally Balanced Comfort: Packed with protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and added vegetables like peas and bell peppers, this dish delivers a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.

Ingredients for Caribbean Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the dish, skin-on for extra richness and crispy texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for basic flavor enhancement and seasoning.
• Caribbean Jerk Seasoning: Signature spice blend that gives the dish its authentic Caribbean character and warm, spicy profile.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor.
• Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Optional intense heat source with a fruity undertone, characteristic of Caribbean cuisine.

• Long-Grain Rice: Fluffy and light rice that serves as the main starch and absorbs the flavorful liquids.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy liquid that adds richness, tropical flavor, and helps cook the rice.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth of flavor and helps in cooking the rice.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a base for cooking the chicken and vegetables.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, crunch, and nutritional value.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a pungent and deep flavor base.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet and tender green vegetable that adds color and freshness.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbal topping that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal.

How to Make Caribbean Chicken and Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

• Gather chicken thighs
• Season with
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Jerk seasoning

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place seasoned chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Chop onions
• Dice bell peppers
• Mince garlic

Use the same skillet to cook the chopped vegetables. Sauté until soft and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Add long-grain rice
• Pour coconut milk
• Add chicken broth
• Sprinkle fresh thyme
• Include scotch bonnet pepper (optional)

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Add Final Ingredients

• Stir in frozen peas

Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat peas and add a vibrant touch to the dish.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Chop fresh cilantro

Transfer Caribbean Chicken and Rice to serving plates. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the tropical taste sensation.

Tips for Cooking Juicy Chicken and Fluffy Rice

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate in jerk seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow deeper spice penetration and richer taste profile.
• Perfect Rice Texture: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that absorb the delicious Caribbean-inspired liquid perfectly.
• Chicken Browning Technique: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in natural juices.
• Spice Level Control: Remove scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you prefer milder heat, or keep it in for those who love intense Caribbean spiciness.
• Fresh Ingredient Boost: Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant and authentic flavor that truly captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine.

How to Store and Reheat Caribbean Chicken and Rice

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and rice together. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen Caribbean Chicken and Rice maintains quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Microwave option works best when covered and stirred occasionally, ensuring even heating until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Caribbean Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Rum Refresher: Pair this spicy, flavorful Caribbean chicken with a classic mojito or a fruity rum punch to complement the jerk seasoning's heat and enhance the tropical vibe.
• Crisp Citrus Companion: A light, zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold Pacifico beer will cut through the richness of the coconut milk and balance the dish's bold flavors.
• Fresh Herbal Side Kick: Create a simple green salad with mixed greens, sliced avocado, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chicken and rice.
• Sweet Cooling Finish: End the meal with a slice of coconut flan or mango sorbet to echo the Caribbean theme and soothe the palate after the dish's spicy notes.

Easy Ways to Switch Up Caribbean Chicken and Rice

• Tropical Seafood Remix: Swap chicken thighs with succulent shrimp or white fish like cod. Maintain the jerk seasoning and coconut milk for an authentic Caribbean seafood experience that bursts with ocean-fresh flavors.
• Vegetarian Island Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans. Add roasted sweet potatoes and extra vegetables like zucchini for a plant-based version that keeps the signature Caribbean spice profile intact.
• Spicy Green Chile Version: Incorporate roasted green chiles instead of scotch bonnet pepper. Use poblano peppers for a milder heat with deeper smoky undertones. Add ground cumin to enhance the warmth and complexity of the dish.
• Quick Pressure Cooker Option: Transfer all ingredients to a pressure cooker after initial sautéing. Reduce cooking time to 12-15 minutes while maintaining the rich, layered flavors of the original Caribbean recipe.

Caribbean Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Caribbean chicken and rice brings island flavors to your dinner table. Succulent marinated chicken mingles with fragrant rice, delivering a robust meal that transports you to tropical paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin on
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon Caribbean jerk seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquid and Fat:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning, ensuring an even coating that will infuse deep caribbean flavors into the meat.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down to achieve a golden-brown exterior with a crispy texture.
3. Cook chicken until each side develops a rich, caramelized color, approximately 5-7 minutes per side, then transfer to a separate plate, keeping the delicious drippings in the skillet.
4. Introduce diced onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic into the same skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for about 5 minutes.
5. Pour in long-grain rice, creamy coconut milk, savory chicken broth, fragrant fresh thyme, and a whole scotch bonnet pepper for an authentic caribbean heat profile.
6. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat to low, gently nestling the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet.
7. Cover and simmer the dish, allowing the rice to absorb the complex blend of spices and liquids, typically requiring 20-25 minutes of patient cooking.
8. During the final moments of cooking, fold in vibrant frozen peas, letting them warm through and add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
9. Remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper before serving to prevent overwhelming heat for sensitive palates.
10. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro, creating a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the entire culinary experience.
11. Plate the caribbean chicken and rice, ensuring each serving includes tender chicken and perfectly cooked, flavor-infused rice.

Notes

• Quick-cooking method transforms ordinary chicken into a vibrant Caribbean feast bursting with bold, spicy flavors.
• Skillet technique allows deep caramelization of chicken skin while infusing every grain of rice with aromatic spices and tropical essences.
• One-pan magic creates a complete meal where protein, vegetables, and grains meld together in a harmonious, mouthwatering celebration of Caribbean culinary traditions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg