This vibrant Caribbean Chicken and Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot, making it a quick and easy dinner option that your family will love! You can switch up the vegetables and even the protein to suit your tastes, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of any random leftovers hiding in your pantry. So, let’s get started, shall we?
What You’ll Need
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or use vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Let’s Get Cooking!
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Let that marinate while you prep the veggies ideally for at least 15 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for infusing flavor!
2. Sauté Those Aromatics
In a large pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté until it’s translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, until everything is softened and smells heavenly.
3. Brown the Chicken
Now, push the veggies to the side (they’re getting cozy!) and add the chicken thighs skin side down. Brown them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden and delicious. You want a nice color on that skin!
4. Stir in the Rice
Once your chicken is nicely browned, stir in the white rice. Let it toast in the hot oil and spices for about 2 minutes this is going to enhance the flavor and make your rice totally irresistible!
5. Add the Broth and Beans
Pour in your chicken broth (making sure to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot) and add the black beans. Stir to combine everything, bringing it all together like a big happy family.
6. Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring everything to a vigorous boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for the rice to be tender and the chicken to be cooked through. Resist the urge to lift the lid, you want all that steam to work its magic!
7. Rest and Fluff
After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is essential for letting the flavors settle in. Then, fluff the lovely rice with a fork, and serve that beautiful chicken on top.
8. Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with the fresh cilantro and serve with some zesty lime wedges on the side. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the top, and oh man, you’re in for a treat!
Now, I know you’re asking for the specifics here, so let’s dive into why this has become my go-to recipe after long days and busy weeks.
Why I Absolutely Adore This Recipe
This recipe is my comfort food go-to. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and the best part is you can customize it based on what you have on hand! Whether I’m using leftover grilled chicken, tossing in some frozen veggies, or even playing around with spices, this dish always hits the spot. I mean, who doesn’t love a delicious meal that makes life easier?
If you loved this Quick and Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice, be sure to check out my Cowboy Chicken, my Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets, or my Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu! Each of these has the same easy vibe and tons of flavor!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy – Comes Together in Under 30 Minutes
Seriously, who doesn’t want a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes? This dish not only saves time but gives you all that comforting flavor.
One-Pot Wonder – Minimal Cleanup Required
All in one pot means minimal cleanup! I can whip this up after a long day and spend more time on the couch than in the kitchen washing dishes. Yes, please!
Customizable – Use Whatever Ingredients You Have
The best part? You can switch ingredients like nobody’s business. Swap the beans for lentils, use different proteins, or throw in whatever veggies you have chilling in your fridge. It all works!
Comfort Food – Loaded with Tons of Flavor
This dish is loaded with flavor, people go nuts for the spices and ingredients coming together. It gives you that warm, cozy feeling, especially on a chilly evening.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make-Ahead Goodness
Make this on a Sunday, and you’ve got lunches for the week. Just heat and go!
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
This Quick and Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice pairs amazingly with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. Honestly, you can’t go wrong.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Perfect for reheating and enjoying another night!
Reheating Instructions
When it comes time to reheat, I recommend doing it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can microwave it too, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture!
Is it Freezer Friendly?
You could also freeze leftovers! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to your freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Food, am I right? It really brings people together. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy all the deliciousness it brings to your family dinner table!
Making meals easy and comforting is what it’s all about! Don’t forget, cooking should be fun, and with this flavorful dish, I guarantee it will be. Enjoy!
Remember, if you have any questions or want to share how yours turned out, leave a comment below. Happy cooking, my friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Print
Quick and Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant one-pot meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and bell pepper until softened.
- Push veggies aside and brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Stir in rice and toast for about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and black beans, scraping the bottom of the pot to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Turn off heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork and serve chicken on top.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
Customize the vegetables and protein based on what you have on hand. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
