Name: Caribbean Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice (You can use brown rice, just remember to increase cooking time and liquid needs.); 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into pieces (Boneless chicken breasts can also be used but may dry out faster.); 1 medium onion, diced (Yellow onion is preferred, but white or red can be substituted.); 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (You can use green or yellow peppers as alternatives.); 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch.); 1 can coconut milk (Chicken broth can be used if you're not into coconut.); 2 cups chicken broth (Vegetable broth or water can be used as alternatives.); 1 teaspoon thyme (Can substitute with Italian seasoning.); 1 teaspoon allspice (A pinch of cinnamon can imitate allspice's warmth.); 2 tablespoons olive oil (Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.); to taste pinches salt and pepper (Essential for bringing out the flavors.)

This Caribbean Chicken and Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and cooks all in one pot for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Not only is it vibrant and full of flavor, but you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends!

Ingredient Breakdown

Rice
Chicken Thighs
Onion
Garlic
Bell Pepper
Coconut Milk
Chicken Broth
Thyme & Allspice
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

How to Make Caribbean Chicken and Rice

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s the step-by-step on how to pull this Caribbean Chicken and Rice together.

Heat the Olive Oil : In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté the goodies but not smoking.
Sauté Onions and Peppers : Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir them occasionally until they are tender, about 3-4 minutes. The smell will be mouthwatering!
Add Garlic : Toss in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, this should take another 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic isn’t good eats!
Brown the Chicken : Now, add your cut-up chicken thighs to the pot. Cook them until they’re browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You want those beautiful golden bits!
Mix in the Rice and Spices : Stir in the rice, thyme, allspice, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed for about 1 minute. Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom for even more flavor!
Pour in the Liquids : Carefully pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring this luscious mix to a boil, then reduce the heat. Seriously, two minutes of boiling and you’ll be ready to simmer!
Cover and Simmer : Once it’s boiling, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. I know, you can smell it from here, right? The rice will soak in all that creamy goodness and absorb a ton of flavor.
Enjoy! After about 25 minutes, it’s ready to serve! When the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, it’s time to dig in. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need a comforting meal that comes together quickly. I’m a real sucker for anything that packs tons of flavor without taking hours to cook. Every bite of this Caribbean Chicken and Rice just screams comfort food to me. And the best part is, it’s so versatile! You can use whatever veggies and leftovers you have on hand, which makes it a perfect fridge-cleaner, too!

If you loved this Caribbean Chicken and Rice, be sure to check out my Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice, my Best Smothered Chicken and Rice, or my Gordon Ramsay Parmesan Risotto! Those are all fantastic options for busy weeknights as well!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver for hectic weeknights when you have a million other things on your plate (pun intended!). It’s so nice to have a recipe that the whole family will love that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours!

One Pot

One of my favorite parts? This meal cooks all in one pot! Yes, minimal cleanup is required. I mean, who wants to spend extra time doing the dishes after dinner? Not me!

Customizable

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that you can easily swap based on your pantry. Don’t have chicken? Use shrimp. Got random veggies sittin’ around? Toss them in! It’s seriously forgiving a win-win for anyone looking to get creative.

Loaded with Flavor

The combination of coconut milk, spices, and the savory chicken makes each bite so incredibly rich and flavorful. It’s like a little vacation for your taste buds every time!

Comfort Food

There’s something about this dish that feels like a warm hug. Maybe it’s the creamy texture of the coconut milk or the aromatic spices, but it’s definitely loaded with tons of comforting goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of some serious soul food!

Serving Suggestions

This Caribbean Chicken and Rice is delightful on its own, but if you’d like, here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

A fresh side salad loaded with greens and a tangy vinaigrette for a balance of flavors.
Grilled pineapple slices make an amazing tropical touch!
Serve with warm naan or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Storage and Reheating

This dish can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. For reheating, I recommend using the microwave for the simplest option. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist, cover, and heat until warmed through.

Is it freezer-friendly? Yes! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into this vibrant, flavorful goodness and enjoy a taste sensation right in your kitchen! You’ll quickly see why Caribbean Chicken and Rice is not just another meal but truly a family favorite that’s bound to become part of your regular rotation. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!