Description
A comforting dish featuring flavorful chicken and rice, infused with tropical spices and coconut milk, perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1 Scotch bonnet or jalapeño, seeded and minced
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and half the cumin.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the same pan and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic, remaining cumin, thyme, and allspice. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and coat with the spices and oil for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping the pan to release any stuck bits.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then nestle the seared chicken into the rice mixture.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18–22 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free broth. For a lighter version, use light coconut milk. Can be made vegetarian with cauliflower or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, Caribbean, comfort food, coconut milk