Caribbean Chicken and Rice

Bringing the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean into your home has never been easier with this delicious Chicken and Rice recipe. Combining the succulence of chicken thighs with the rich, aromatic blend of spices and vegetables, this dish promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey to the tropics. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weekly dinner routine or impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this Caribbean delight in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 chicken thighs, skin on
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Caribbean jerk seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions to Culinary Bliss:

1. Heat Oil: Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning before placing them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook until each side is golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside for later.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Utilize the same skillet to add a dash of aromatic magic with the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté these until they’re soft, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. Combine and Simmer: Next, stir in the long-grain rice along with the coconut milk, chicken broth, fresh thyme, and if you’re up for a bit of a kick, the scotch bonnet pepper. After bringing the mixture to a boil, lower the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer. This will take around 20-25 minutes, or until the rice has tenderly absorbed the flavors and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.

4. Final Touches: As the concoction nears readiness, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through for about 2 minutes. The peas add a nice burst of color and freshness to the dish.

5. Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish your Caribbean Chicken and Rice with fresh cilantro to add an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Now, it’s ready to be served!

Nutritional Information:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories: 600 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Conclusion:

There you have it, a simple yet exotic recipe that brings the taste of the Caribbean right to your dining table. The combination of creamy coconut milk, hearty rice, spicy jerk seasoning, and the freshness of the cilantro makes this Caribbean Chicken and Rice not just a meal but an experience. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something different, remember that the tropics are only a recipe away. Bon Appétit!

Print