This Caribbean Chicken and Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one pot for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! The best part is, you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal, perfect for those nights when you need to use up what you have on hand!
Ingredient Breakdown
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
There you go! Easy-peasy ingredients that you can find at your own grocery store!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. You’ll want to sauté them until they’re softened and the onion is translucent, oh that smell! Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Brown the Chicken: Now, add in the chicken and let it brown on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. You want that lovely golden color!
Mix in the Goodness: Stir in the rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, allspice, thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Get all those flavors dancing together!
Bring it to a Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, just relax for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to check occasionally, stirring gently, so that nothing burns!
Garnish and Serve: Once your rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, garnish with green onions before serving. You might want to take a moment to breathe in that amazing smell!
Why I Love This Recipe
You guys, this is my go-to recipe when I’m running out of ideas for dinner. It’s comforting, like a warm hug in a bowl! Honestly, I’m a real sucker for these types of make-ahead meals that are loaded with flavor. And the best part is, you can customize it to your heart’s content, whether you want to throw in some black beans or maybe a few corn kernels to use up what’s in the fridge. I mean, how versatile is that? My kids actually ask for this week after week, and who doesn’t love a recipe that pleases the whole family?
If you loved this Caribbean Chicken and Rice, be sure to check out my Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice, my Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole, or my Mushroom Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
One Pot Wonder
Everything cooks in one pot, minimal cleanup required! Less fuss means you can spend more time catching up with your family at dinner.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients makes this a cost-effective meal to whip up anytime. You won’t be breaking the bank with this glorious goodness!
Customizable
This recipe is absolutely customizable! You can add different veggies, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or even go for tofu! Use whatever ingredients you have on hand, perfect for a “clean out the fridge” dinner!
Comfort Food
The warm, creamy flavor of the coconut milk paired with spices truly turns this into comforting goodness. It’s loaded with tons of flavor and definitely a family favorite!
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy this Caribbean Chicken and Rice!
Pair it with a Salad: A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette can really cut through the richness and make for a well-rounded meal.
Add Some Bread: Crusty bread or warm naan is perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness.
Chilled Drink: Sip on some sweet tea or a tropical drink (think mango or pineapple) to round out your meal perfectly!
Storage
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You’ll find that the flavors continue to develop and intensify, yum!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, just pop it in the microwave until warmed through, stir it up to blend everything back together since the rice might clump a bit. If it seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to liven it back up!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! It freezes well! Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently.
Final Thoughts
This Caribbean Chicken and Rice recipe is an absolute gem that can turn any ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavorful feast. It’s simple, versatile, and loaded with everything you need to have a fun and delicious meal with your family! So what are you waiting for? Give it a whirl, and I promise it’ll quickly become your go-to recipe, just like it is for me! Remember, in the world of cooking, there are no strict rules, just tons of flavor!
Now, get into that kitchen and get cooking, your family is going to thank you for it!
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Print
Caribbean Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A flavorful one-pot Caribbean Chicken and Rice dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups long-grain rice (Basmati or jasmine)
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened and translucent, then add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken to the pot and brown it on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Stir in the rice, coconut milk, chicken broth, allspice, thyme, and salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
Customize with your choice of veggies or proteins for a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
