Caribbean Chicken and Rice Recipe
Imagine tender chicken simmered in a fragrant, creamy coconut sauce with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables. This Caribbean Chicken and Rice – Tropical Flavor in Every Bite is a one-pot wonder that brings the sunny, aromatic essence of the islands straight to your table. After extensive testing, I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver authentic flavor with a streamlined method that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Should this one not fit the night you are planning, my full collection of easy chicken dinners will.
PrintCaribbean Chicken and Rice – Tropical Flavor in Every Bite
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
- 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)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken – Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Base – In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and Scotch bonnet until softened and fragrant. Stir in thyme, allspice, and curry powder.
- Toast the Rice – Add rice to the pot, stirring to coat with spices and aromatics
- Simmer Together – Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Add beans/peas if using. Return chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Cook Until Tender – Cover and simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes, until rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Rest and Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
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