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Caribbean Chicken and Rice Recipe

Caribbean Chicken and Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Caribbean Chicken and Rice dish featuring tender chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and a vibrant mix of vegetables, black beans, and cilantro. Perfect for a comforting meal that brings a taste of the islands to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Vegetables and Rice

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Garnish and Serving

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Season and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Toast Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
  4. Add Liquids and Beans: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, rinsed black beans, and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Finish Cooking: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for added brightness.

Notes

  • For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier grain option, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
  • You can omit the cayenne pepper for a milder dish or increase for more heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caribbean chicken and rice, one pot meal, spicy chicken, black beans recipe, Caribbean cuisine, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/caribbean-chicken-and-rice-recipe/