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Caribbean Chicken and Rice: A Flavorful Comfort Dish

Caribbean Chicken and Rice: A Flavorful Comfort Dish

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Caribbean Chicken and Rice: A Flavorful Comfort Dish is a vibrant, one-pot meal that brings the tropical flavors of the Caribbean to your dining table. This hearty dish features succulent chicken thighs simmered in creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, it is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it garnished with fresh herbs for an added pop of color and flavor. Dive into this delicious comfort food that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or substitute habanero pepper for less heat), whole or minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice)
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine salt, black pepper, paprika, ground allspice, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken pieces. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes; overnight will yield even deeper flavors.
  2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken skin-side down first. Sear until browned on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same pot used for searing the chicken, add vegetable oil. Once hot, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, and chopped tomato until softened—approximately 5 minutes. Stir in Scotch bonnet pepper along with fresh thyme, allspice, and smoked paprika.
  4. Stir in long-grain white rice until well-coated with the vegetable mixture. Then pour in chicken broth and coconut milk; add an additional teaspoon of salt if desired. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
  5. Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture without stirring. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 25–30 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken fully cooked through.
  6. In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, add frozen peas if desired. Once done, remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro before serving hot.

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