Name: Caribbean Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-485602H40M9S
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 scotch bonnet pepper or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Caribbean Flavors: Spiced with allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet or chili peppers.
One-Pot Convenience: Chicken and rice cook together for easy cleanup.
Hearty and Satisfying: Balanced protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spice levels.
Family-Friendly: Mild to moderately spicy, adjustable to taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 scotch bonnet pepper or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Season Chicken: In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, thyme, allspice, and smoked paprika.
Brown Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in rice and diced tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the pan. Add chicken broth and scotch bonnet pepper or chili flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
Cook Covered: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Discard scotch bonnet pepper if used. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Serve: Serve with lime wedges for added zest.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegetables: Add peas, carrots, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, or shrimp.
Spice Level: Adjust heat by adding more or less scotch bonnet pepper.
Coconut Rice: Substitute part of chicken broth with coconut milk.
Herbs: Use fresh thyme or add bay leaves during cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if dry.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, adjust cooking time accordingly.

What if I can’t find scotch bonnet peppers?

Use habanero, jalapeño, or chili flakes as substitutes.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on peppers used.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but add rice in the last hour of cooking.

How do I prevent rice from sticking?

Use enough liquid and avoid stirring during simmering.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free broth.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in airtight containers in the fridge.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, flavors improve when reheated.

What sides go well?

Serve with fried plantains, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Caribbean Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the islands to your table. With bold spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s an all-in-one meal that’s sure to delight your family and friends.