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Dive into the heart of the Caribbean with this flavorful Jerk Chicken and Rice. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned with bold jerk spices, while the colorful medley of sautéed vegetables and fluffy rice create a harmonious, one-skillet meal. Each bite is a burst of tropical warmth, transporting you straight to the islands.
This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with its vibrant colors and aromatic appeal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with a tropical drink for the ultimate Caribbean experience!
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Full Recipe:
- 2.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Dry Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- ⅓ cup Yellow Onions, chopped
- 2 Carrots, diced
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
- ½ Red Bell Pepper, diced
- ½ Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
- 3 Sprigs Curly Parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed
- 1 tbsp Dry Jerk Seasoning
- 2½ cups Vegetable Broth (or hot water)
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Heat avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Add rinsed rice and jerk seasoning to the skillet, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in vegetable broth and rice vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, fluff the rice, and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 495 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
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Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice: A Journey Through Tropical Flavors
When it comes to bringing the vibrant, sun-soaked flavors of the Caribbean into your home, few dishes can compete with the bold and irresistible Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice. This one-skillet recipe is not just a meal—it’s an experience, encapsulating the spirit, culture, and culinary traditions of the islands. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a versatile favorite that will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation.
A Celebration of Caribbean Cuisine
Caribbean cuisine is renowned for its rich diversity and bold flavors, reflecting the region’s history and the blending of African, European, and indigenous influences. Jerk seasoning, a cornerstone of Caribbean cooking, exemplifies this fusion. It combines the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the heat of cayenne and the herbaceous notes of thyme, creating a balance of complexity and vibrancy.
Jerk chicken, a hallmark of Jamaican cuisine, is traditionally cooked over an open flame, giving it a smoky depth. While this recipe adapts the technique for home kitchens, the essence of the dish remains the same. By searing the chicken and then baking it with rice and vegetables, this version simplifies the process without compromising on the authentic flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice is its versatility and simplicity. With minimal effort and a single skillet, you can create a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The dish is ideal for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s what makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser:
- One-Pan Wonder: The convenience of a one-pan dish means fewer dishes to clean and more time to savor your meal.
- Vibrant Flavors: The jerk seasoning elevates every component of the dish, from the tender chicken to the fluffy rice and sautéed vegetables.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer spicier dishes or a more mild flavor profile, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers are just as delicious—if not better—the next day, making it perfect for preparing lunches in advance.
The Art of Jerk Seasoning
At the heart of this dish lies the jerk seasoning. Its history dates back to the Maroons, African slaves who escaped to the mountains of Jamaica and developed methods to preserve and season their food. Today, jerk seasoning is celebrated worldwide for its unique blend of sweet, spicy, and savory elements.
The combination of ingredients like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and cayenne creates a robust and multi-dimensional flavor profile. Each spice plays a crucial role: allspice brings warmth, cinnamon and nutmeg add sweetness, thyme provides herbal brightness, and cayenne delivers the signature heat. Together, they transform a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece.
The Perfect Pairing of Chicken and Rice
The pairing of jerk chicken with rice is not only practical but also deeply rooted in Caribbean culinary traditions. Rice serves as the perfect canvas to soak up the rich juices from the chicken and vegetables, allowing every grain to be infused with flavor. Long-grain white rice is a staple in this recipe, but variations like jasmine or basmati can also be used for their aromatic qualities.
The addition of rice vinegar to the cooking liquid is a subtle yet impactful touch, providing a hint of tanginess that balances the richness of the dish. Meanwhile, the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) enhances the overall depth of flavor, making each bite a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Tips for Success
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve perfection:
- Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight in the jerk seasoning. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Rinse the Rice: Washing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, ensuring that the grains remain fluffy and separate rather than clumping together.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pan is ideal for this dish, as it distributes heat evenly and can transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven.
- Customize the Heat Level: For those who enjoy extra heat, consider adding a diced Scotch bonnet pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the vegetables. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or opt for a store-bought mild version.
A Feast for the Senses
One of the most appealing aspects of Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice is its visual appeal. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, carrots, and parsley create a feast for the eyes, while the aroma of jerk spices fills the kitchen with an irresistible warmth. This dish is as much about the sensory experience as it is about taste, making it a standout choice for entertaining or special occasions.
Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation, or plate it individually with a garnish of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance. Pair it with a tropical drink, like a pineapple mojito or a mango smoothie, to complete the Caribbean experience.
Health Benefits
In addition to its incredible flavor, this dish also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of lean protein, while the assortment of vegetables provides a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The use of avocado oil, known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, adds another layer of nutritional value.
By opting for homemade jerk seasoning and fresh ingredients, you can control the sodium and sugar content, making this a wholesome and balanced meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to explore the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Caribbean. With its bold flavors, vibrant presentation, and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re reminiscing about a tropical getaway or simply looking for a new recipe to spice up your dinner routine, this one-pan wonder delivers a taste of paradise. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let the flavors of the Caribbean transport you to sun-soaked beaches and turquoise waters, one bite at a time.
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Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description
Dive into the heart of the Caribbean with this flavorful Jerk Chicken and Rice. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs are perfectly seasoned with bold jerk spices, while the colorful medley of sautéed vegetables and fluffy rice create a harmonious, one-skillet meal. Each bite is a burst of tropical warmth, transporting you straight to the islands.
This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with its vibrant colors and aromatic appeal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with a tropical drink for the ultimate Caribbean experience!
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Dry Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1/3 cup Yellow Onions, chopped
- 2 Carrots, diced
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
- 3 Sprigs Curly Parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice, rinsed
- 1 tbsp Dry Jerk Seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups Vegetable Broth (or hot water)
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Heat avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Add rinsed rice and jerk seasoning to the skillet, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in vegetable broth and rice vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, fluff the rice, and allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour