Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice One-Pan Meal

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the chicken juicy. You can use skinless or boneless thighs if you prefer, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this dish. If you want a nuttier flavor, use basmati rice, but adjust the cooking time slightly, as it cooks faster.

Coconut Milk: This ingredient brings creaminess and richness. If coconut isn’t your thing or you want to cut down on fat, try mixing milk with a little bit of cream or using unsweetened almond milk.

Spices: Ground allspice and smoked paprika give it a warm, smoky flavor. If you don’t have allspice, you can make a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Adjust the paprika based on how smoky you like your dishes.

How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice and Chicken?

Cooking rice and chicken together in one pan can be a bit tricky, but it’s simple with the right attention:

• Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors. This step also creates a tasty fond at the bottom of the pan.
• Make sure to stir the rice after adding the liquids to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• Keep the pan covered while simmering! This helps trap steam and cooks the rice evenly.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the rice absorb any leftover liquid and makes everything fluffier.

By following these tips, you’ll have delicious, tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice for a fantastic meal! Enjoy it with fresh lime on top for that zesty kick!

Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice One-Pan Meal

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

For the Rice and Liquid:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk

For Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnishing:

• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious one-pan meal will take about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a perfect weekday dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Searing the Chicken:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. While the oil is warming up, season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, ground allspice, smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper if you like some heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan and sear them for about 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown. Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set them aside.

2. Cooking the Vegetables:

In the same pan, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these lovely veggies until the onions turn translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

3. Adding Rice and Liquid:

Now it’s time to add the rice! Pour the long-grain white rice into the pan and stir well to coat it with the oil and vegetables. This step helps the rice absorb all those fantastic flavors. Next, pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Cooking Everything Together:

Carefully nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.

5. Adding Peas and Resting:

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the frozen peas over the rice. Cover it again to warm them through. After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest covered for about 5 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to meld together!

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once rested, uncover your pan to reveal a beautiful, fragrant meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and squeeze some lime over the top for that zesty kick. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra tanginess.

Enjoy your flavorful and easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice one-pan meal! It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to please everyone at the table!

FAQ for Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice One-Pan Meal

Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts or even drumsticks in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster, while drumsticks may take a bit longer to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?

If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or need a non-dairy option, you can use unsweetened almond milk or any other vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just note that this will change the taste slightly.

Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the simmer point, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, just add a little more liquid if needed and follow the cooking instructions.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid if the rice seems dry.