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caribbean chicken and rice 2026 05 22 205417 683x1024 1

Caribbean Chicken and Rice

A delightful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken thighs, fragrant spices, creamy coconut milk, and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Tropical
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups long-grain rice Rinsed thoroughly
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley to taste fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Lime wedges to taste lime wedges for serving
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper.
  3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, thyme, allspice, and cayenne pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and bell pepper. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and coconut milk to the pot, mixing well.
  4. Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, cover, and bring everything to a simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. In the last few minutes, fold in the frozen peas.
Serving
  1. Serve the dish warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and add some lime juice right before serving.

Notes

Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly for fluffier rice. Don't skip the searing step as it adds depth of flavor. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level. Variations include adding diced carrots or corn for nutrition or using chickpeas/tofu for a vegetarian option.