Description
This Caribbean Chicken and Rice recipe is a one-pan wonder full of bold, island-inspired flavors. Crispy chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables are cooked together with warm allspice, thyme, and savory chicken broth. Perfect for a family meal, this dish is simple, hearty, and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
2 large carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons oil (for searing)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt, pepper, allspice, and thyme.
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven with oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down first, for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This step helps deglaze the pan and captures all the delicious bits left behind from the chicken.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Toast the Rice
Stir in the diced carrots and bell peppers, cooking for 3 minutes to soften slightly.
Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavor from the oil and aromatics.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up.
Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Fluff and Garnish
Turn off the heat and let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness and color.
Notes
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best, but you can substitute with jasmine rice for a floral note.
Spice Level: This dish is mildly spiced. If you prefer heat, add scotch bonnet peppers, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with seasoned tofu or roasted chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Island-Inspired
