This Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice dish is a fun, tasty way to enjoy dinner! With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice, it brings the flavors of the islands to your kitchen.
I love how everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Plus, the spices make it feel like a little vacation on your plate. Who wouldn’t want that? 🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. You can use chicken breasts instead, but they can dry out if overcooked. For a different twist, try using shrimp or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option!
Rice: Long grain white rice is what I prefer, but you can use jasmine rice for added fragrance. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as different rice types may require different amounts of liquid.
Peppers: The combo of red and green bell peppers adds color and sweetness. If you don’t have these, use any bell pepper, or even add some corn or diced zucchini for a different flavor profile!
Spices: Allspice and smoked paprika really make this dish pop! If you’re missing allspice, try a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. If you like a kick, cayenne pepper is a great addition but use it sparingly!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Perfect One-Pan Meals?
Cooking in one pan is a great way to save time and cleanup. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Start by browning the chicken, as this builds flavor. Don’t rush it; let it get nice and golden on all sides.
- Remove the chicken to avoid overcooking while you sauté the vegetables. This layering of flavors is key!
- When you add the rice, toasting it slightly helps enhance its flavor, too. It’s a simple step but makes a big difference.
- Make sure to cover the pan tightly while simmering. This keeps moisture in for fluffy rice.
- Let it rest at the end! Once you remove it from heat, letting it sit covered for a few minutes can help the rice absorb any leftover liquid.
Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice One-Pan Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Juice of half a lime (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious Caribbean Chicken and Rice meal will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-40 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll be ready to serve in about 50 minutes – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the oil in a large deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to give the chicken a nice sear.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the oil heats, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground allspice, dried thyme, and cinnamon. Get those flavors nice and mixed in!
3. Brown the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until it’s browned all over, about 4-5 minutes. Once it’s looking good, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
4. Sauté the Onions:
In the same pan, toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, which takes about 3 minutes. This is where the delicious aroma starts filling your kitchen!
5. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn.
6. Cook the Bell Peppers:
Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften up a bit.
7. Toast the Rice:
Now, stir in the rinsed rice and let it toast slightly in the pan for about 1-2 minutes. This step adds more flavor to the dish.
8. Combine Ingredients:
Add the chicken broth and the optional diced tomatoes to the pan. Then, return the browned chicken to the pan and stir everything together.
9. Cook on Low:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
10. Rest and Fluff:
Once the rice is done, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking. Then, fluff it with a fork.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Finish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lime juice, if you like! Serve hot and enjoy this bright, flavorful Caribbean-inspired meal!
FAQ for Easy Caribbean Chicken and Rice One-Pan Meal
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely first! Ideally, thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, you can substitute with what you have. For instance, you can skip the thyme and use Italian seasoning instead, or mix ground cinnamon with a bit of nutmeg as a replacement for allspice. Just remember that spices really add to the flavor, so the more you can use, the better!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this meal vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables or beans (like chickpeas or black beans). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and follow the same steps – it’ll still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out. Enjoy your Caribbean flavors again!
