Name: Caribbean Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 ½ cups long grain rice; 1 red bell pepper diced; 1 green bell pepper diced; 1 small onion chopped; 2 cloves garlic minced; 2 tablespoons Caribbean seasoning; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups chicken broth; Chopped cilantro for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

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I first made Caribbean chicken and rice after returning from a tropical vacation that completely changed how I viewed flavor and I missed the bold spices sweet-and-savory sauces and colorful plates so much that I decided to recreate them at home using what I had in the pantry and a bit of imagination and the result brought all those sunny island memories right back to life

This dish quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s vibrant hearty and full of flavor and the marinated chicken combined with seasoned rice and veggies makes it feel like a celebration on a plate and whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering this meal always brings a burst of joy to the table

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful they soak up the marinade beautifully
Long grain rice – The perfect base to soak up all those island spices and juices
Bell peppers – Add sweetness crunch and vibrant color
Onion – Builds the base flavor and adds a little bite
Garlic – Essential for a rich savory depth
Caribbean seasoning – Brings warmth spice and that authentic island taste
Lime juice – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables
Chicken broth – Infuses the rice with flavor while it cooks
Cilantro – A fresh herby garnish to tie it all together

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or Dutch oven – Ideal for searing chicken and cooking rice evenly
Cutting board – For prepping all the fresh vegetables and herbs
Sharp knife – To slice chicken and dice veggies quickly
Tongs – Makes it easy to flip and handle the chicken thighs
Measuring cups – For getting your rice-to-liquid ratio just right
Wooden spoon – Great for stirring rice and folding in flavor without scratching your pan

Instructions

Step 1

I start by marinating the chicken thighs with Caribbean seasoning lime juice olive oil salt and pepper then I let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor

Step 2

Once the chicken is marinated I heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the thighs on both sides until golden brown then I remove them and set them aside

Step 3

In the same pan I sauté chopped onions bell peppers and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant which forms the flavorful base of the rice

Step 4

I stir in the rice making sure it’s coated in all the seasoning and vegetables then I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer

Step 5

I place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice cover the skillet and let everything cook together for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through

Step 6

Once done I fluff the rice with a fork and squeeze fresh lime juice over everything then I garnish with chopped cilantro for a pop of freshness

Step 7

I serve it hot right from the skillet because it looks and smells too good to wait

Tips

I like to use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor but boneless works too

You can add pineapple chunks or a splash of coconut milk for a sweet tropical twist

Don’t skip the marinating step it really deepens the flavor of the chicken

Leftovers are amazing the next day the flavors get even better

Ways to Serve

I love serving this with fried plantains on the side for a true Caribbean experience

A simple cucumber and avocado salad with lime dressing pairs beautifully

For a festive meal I add a side of black beans or a dollop of mango salsa

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts for Caribbean chicken and rice?

Yes you can use chicken breasts but I recommend slicing them to keep them juicy and flavorful

Can I make Caribbean chicken and rice in advance?

Absolutely it reheats well and is perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches

Is Caribbean chicken and rice spicy?

It can be mildly spicy depending on the seasoning but you can always adjust the heat to your liking

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Caribbean chicken and rice recipe soon! It’s packed with flavor and a little bit of sunshine in every bite. Let me know how it turns out and feel free to share your own twist if you make it your own!

Happy Cooking!