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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning, ensuring an even coating that will infuse deep caribbean flavors into the meat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat to low, gently nestling the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper before serving to prevent overwhelming heat for sensitive palates.
- Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro, creating a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the entire culinary experience.
- 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