One-Pan Caribbean Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Caribbean Chicken and Rice is one of my favorite meals when I want something packed with flavor without spending all day in the kitchen. I season the chicken with a blend of Caribbean-inspired spices including thyme, nutmeg, smoked paprika, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and cayenne, then sear it until beautifully browned. The rice cooks right in the same skillet with coconut milk and chicken broth, soaking up all those incredible flavors. As everything simmers together, the chicken becomes tender while the rice turns rich, fluffy, and aromatic. Fresh peas, bell peppers, green onions, and lime bring color, freshness, and a bright finish that takes this dish to the next level.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Everything cooks in one pan

Loaded with Caribbean-inspired flavors

Coconut milk creates rich, flavorful rice

Easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup

Perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors

Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly

Beautiful presentation with vibrant colors

Budget-friendly ingredients

Variations

Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Rice

Add 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning to the chicken before cooking.

Caribbean Shrimp and Rice

Replace chicken with large shrimp and reduce cooking time.

Pineapple Caribbean Rice

Add 1 cup diced pineapple during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Island Version

Increase cayenne pepper and add diced Scotch Bonnet peppers.

Black Bean Caribbean Rice

Add a can of drained black beans for extra protein.

Seafood Caribbean Rice

Use shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for a seafood-inspired version.

Vegetable Caribbean Rice

Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans.

One-Pan Caribbean Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Caribbean Chicken and Rice combines tender seasoned chicken, fluffy coconut rice, colorful vegetables, and warm Caribbean spices in one easyskillet meal that's packed with flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Rice

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup frozen peas

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Green onions sliced
• Fresh parsley chopped
• Lime wedges

Instructions

 

• Season both sides of the chicken with: nutmeg, thyme, smoked paprika, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper
• Rub the seasonings evenly into the chicken.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
• Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add rice and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. Allow the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
• Pour in: Chicken broth and Coconut milk. Stir well to combine. Add frozen peas.
• Nestle the browned chicken into the rice mixture. Make sure each piece is partially submerged.
• Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until: Rice is tender, liquid is absorbed and chicken is fully cooked
• Remove from heat. Keep covered and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes.
• Top with: Green onions, fresh parsley, and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Video

Recipe Tips

For the best flavor, don't skip browning the chicken first. Those caramelized bits left in the skillet add incredible depth to the rice as it cooks and help create that authentic one-pot flavor.

Keyword caribbean chicken and rice, chicken recipes, ground chicken recipes, one pan meals, one pot meals, rice recipes

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