Description
“Enjoy the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this One-Pot Jerk Chicken & Rice recipe! Spiced with traditional jerk seasoning, cooked with coconut milk, and packed with vibrant aromatics, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under an hour!”
Ingredients
Scale
- Protein: 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Seasoning: 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- Cooking fat: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Grains & Liquids:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Spices & Heat:
- 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Citrus: Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken pieces generously with jerk seasoning, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rice, ensuring it absorbs the flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring well.
- Return the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the pot, along with thyme, green onions, and the optional Scotch bonnet pepper.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with Lime Juice: Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for a burst of brightness.
- Serve: Garnish with extra green onions and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or another type of meat if preferred.
- Vegetable Additions: Add carrots, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Different Rice Options: Substitute with brown rice (adjusting cooking time) or quinoa for a different texture.
- Less Heat: Reduce or omit the Scotch bonnet pepper for a milder dish.
- Extra Smokiness: Add a touch of smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: One-Pot Meal, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Keywords: One-pot jerk chicken, Caribbean rice dish, jerk chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal, spicy chicken and rice