Island-Inspired Caribbean Chicken and Rice Recipe for Dinner

Spicy aromas and vibrant flavors dance through this authentic Caribbean chicken and rice recipe that transports you straight to sun-drenched islands.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked grains, infusing each bite with rich, bold seasonings.

Generations of culinary tradition shine through every mouthwatering spoonful of this island-inspired dish.

Fragrant herbs and warming spices create a symphony of taste that captures the essence of Caribbean cooking.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that sparkles with tropical zest.

Each forkful tells a story of cultural heritage and delicious passion.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary recipe that brings the Caribbean directly to your dinner table.

Ways to Add More Flavor to Your Chicken

• Chicken Lover's Seasoning Hack: Marinate the chicken thighs in a blend of jerk seasoning and lime juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the Caribbean flavor profile and tenderize the meat.
• Spice Control Station: For those who prefer milder dishes, replace the scotch bonnet pepper with a gentler jalapeño or simply omit it entirely while maintaining the recipe's vibrant essence.
• Rice Texture Pro Tips: Rinse your long-grain rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy after simmering with the coconut milk and broth.
• Veggie Swap Adventure: Experiment with different vegetables like diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or plantains to add unique textures and regional Caribbean flair to the dish while keeping the core cooking method unchanged.
• Protein Playground: Swap chicken thighs with shrimp, fish, or tofu for a versatile one-skillet meal that adapts to different dietary preferences without compromising the authentic Caribbean taste profile.

How to Present Caribbean Chicken Beautifully

• Tropical Plate Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp mango salsa for a burst of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the spicy jerk chicken perfectly.
• Island-Style Side Dish: Add a small portion of plantain chips or fried plantains to bring authentic Caribbean texture and an extra crunch to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro or green onions on top to enhance the dish's brightness and provide a zesty, aromatic finish.
• Cooling Companion: Pair with a refreshing coconut-lime mojito or a cold Caribbean-style beer to balance the dish's spicy and rich flavors.

Save Leftovers: Chicken and Rice Edition

• Smart Meal Prep Magic: Cook double the chicken and rice batch, storing individual portions in sealed containers for quick lunch or dinner solutions during busy weekdays. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers, keeping meals fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in microwave or skillet to maintain original texture and flavor.
• Temperature Control Technique: Keep cooked dish at safe temperature between 40-140°F. Cool rice quickly by spreading on shallow pan before refrigerating to prevent bacteria growth and maintain optimal taste.
• Ingredient Separation Hack: Store chicken and rice separately if possible. This prevents rice from becoming soggy and allows more flexible reheating options. Use airtight glass containers with tight-sealing lids to maintain maximum freshness and prevent potential cross-contamination.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Prep List: Caribbean Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful cut with rich meat that absorbs Caribbean spices beautifully, choose bone-in and skin-on for maximum juiciness and depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance the chicken's natural taste and provide foundational flavor layers.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: Vibrant vegetable trio that creates a robust flavor base, select fresh and crisp peppers for maximum sweetness and crunch.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer that adds depth and traditional Caribbean cooking complexity.
• Caribbean Jerk Seasoning: Signature spice blend that delivers authentic island heat and tangy complexity.
• Fresh Thyme: Herbaceous note that brings earthy, slightly minty undertones characteristic of Caribbean cuisine.
• Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Optional fiery ingredient delivering intense heat and genuine Caribbean punch, handle with care.

• Long-Grain Rice: Classic Caribbean staple that provides hearty, fluffy foundation for the dish.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy, rich liquid that infuses tropical sweetness and creates luxurious sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Moisture-rich liquid that ensures perfect rice consistency and deepens overall flavor profile.
• Vegetable Oil: Cooking medium for sautéing and creating golden, crispy chicken skin.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet, bright green addition that introduces fresh color and subtle sweetness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Vibrant garnish offering fresh, herbal finish and traditional Caribbean presentation.

Caribbean Chicken Cooking Gear Guide

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning chicken and creating a flavorful one-pan meal.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for prepping vegetables and handling raw chicken safely.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and cilantro.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring rice, broth, and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Lid: Necessary to cover the skillet while simmering rice and chicken.

Cooking Caribbean Chicken: Step-by-Step

Tropical Chicken Feast

• Chicken Preparation

Grab chicken thighs and season them with bold Caribbean spices. Let the flavors dance across the meat while preparing your cooking surface.

• Sizzling Start

Heat a large skillet with a splash of oil. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan, creating a golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors. Cook each side until perfectly crispy and beautiful.

• Veggie Celebration

In the same sizzling pan, toss chopped onions, peppers, and fragrant garlic. Watch them transform into a colorful medley that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in creamy coconut milk and rich broth. Sprinkle fresh thyme and add a spicy pepper for excitement. Nestle the cooked chicken back into this flavorful pool and let everything simmer until rice becomes tender and chicken is perfectly cooked.

• Final Symphony

Stir in bright green peas for a pop of color and freshness. Scatter chopped cilantro across the top to create a vibrant finishing touch that makes this dish sing with Caribbean spirit.

Savory Caribbean Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade Caribbean chicken and rice delivers a tropical feast with bold spices and rich flavors. Local ingredients blend into a hearty meal you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs (skin on)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 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 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp Caribbean jerk seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season Preparation: Massage chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning, creating a thoroughly coated flavor foundation.
2. Searing Stage: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, positioning chicken skin-side down to develop a perfectly caramelized, crispy exterior for 5-7 minutes per side, then transfer to a holding plate while preserving the savory pan drippings.
3. Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in the same skillet, allowing them to soften and release their intricate flavor profile for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Liquid Integration: Combine long-grain rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, fresh thyme, and a whole scotch bonnet pepper, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing heat to low and reintroducing the seared chicken.
5. Simmering Process: Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, enabling rice to absorb the complex spice blend and liquid elements, ensuring tender meat and perfectly textured grains.
6. Final Touches: Fold in frozen peas during the last cooking moments, remove the scotch bonnet pepper, and garnish with chopped cilantro to introduce a fresh, herbaceous dimension.
7. Serving Presentation: Plate the caribbean chicken and rice, ensuring each serving showcases the dish’s vibrant colors and rich, layered flavors.

Notes

• Optimize Seasoning: Ensure even coating of jerk seasoning for maximum Caribbean flavor penetration.
• Master Chicken Browning: Achieve golden-crispy skin by cooking chicken on medium heat, developing caramelized color without burning.
• Control Spice Intensity: Remove whole scotch bonnet pepper before serving to manage heat levels for different taste preferences.
• Preserve Moisture: Let chicken rest and simmer gently in rice mixture to maintain tenderness and absorb rich, complex flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg