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One Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken & Rice

One Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken & Rice
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This One Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken & Rice recipe delivers bold Caribbean flavors in a simple, hearty, and comforting one-pot meal. Juicy, spice-infused chicken thighs simmer with fluffy long-grain rice, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and aromatic seasonings for a quick and delicious dinner perfect for busy nights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
  • 2–3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1–2 bell peppers (any color), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, use cautiously)

Grains & Liquids

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup coconut milk (optional)

Herbs & Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme or cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: lime wedges, chopped parsley or additional cilantro for serving

Other

  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil for searing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs and thoroughly coat each piece with the jerk seasoning to infuse bold Caribbean flavors.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown to lock in juices and build flavor.
  3. Cook the aromatics and vegetables: Remove chicken and add diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
  4. Add rice and liquids: Stir in rice to coat it with oils and vegetables. Pour in chicken broth and optional coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. Nestle the chicken pieces back into the rice mixture.
  5. Simmer and cook: Bring to a gentle boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to keep steam trapped.
  6. Finish with fresh herbs: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped thyme or cilantro over the top to brighten the dish with fresh herbal notes.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
  • Do not stir the rice during cooking to keep it fluffy and prevent mushiness.
  • To add depth, toast the rice in the pot for a couple of minutes before adding liquids.
  • Adjust broth quantity depending on the rice type as absorption may vary.
  • Marinating chicken in jerk seasoning for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor.
  • Optional: For milder spice, omit scotch bonnet pepper or reduce quantity as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: jerk chicken, Caribbean rice, one pot meal, spicy chicken, easy dinner, Caribbean cuisine, gluten free

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/one-pot-caribbean-jerk-chicken-rice/