If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and exciting, let me introduce you to the Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe. This dish perfectly balances spicy, smoky jerk-seasoned chicken with fragrant rice cooked alongside sweet bell peppers and tangy tomatoes, creating a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that transports you to sun-soaked islands without leaving your home, bringing a joyful explosion of Caribbean flavors to your plate with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create incredible depth and character in this recipe. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s adding spice, texture, or color — all harmonizing to make this dish absolutely irresistible.
- Chicken breast (1.5 lbs): The lean protein base, perfect for soaking up those bold jerk flavors.
- Rice (1 cup): Provides a fluffy, comforting bed for the spiced chicken and vegetables.
- Caribbean jerk seasoning (1 tablespoon): The secret blend of warm spices that defines this dish’s vibrant taste.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the chicken and soften the veggies while adding richness.
- Onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and depth during the sautéing process.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): A classic flavor booster that brings savory aroma and warmth.
- Red bell pepper, sliced (1): Offers a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that complements the seasoning.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Imparts juiciness and a tangy dimension to the rice.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Used to cook the rice, infusing it with savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a lively herbal freshness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures perfect cooking temperature when your chicken and rice go in to finish. While the oven warms up, season the chicken breasts generously with the Caribbean jerk seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This stage sets the flavor foundation, so be bold and don’t shy away from coating every inch.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add your seasoned chicken breasts. Sear each side for 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. This step locks in moisture and builds a smoky depth that’s signature to the Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
After browning, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside temporarily. In the same pan, toss in diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir and cook them down until they soften up, about 5 minutes, releasing their sweet aromas and creating a rich flavor base for the rice.
Step 4: Toast the Rice and Add Liquids
Next, stir in the rice to the softened veggies and cook it for two minutes. This little toasting step adds a lovely nuttiness that complements the spices. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with juices and the chicken broth. Mix everything evenly, allowing the rice to soak up all those vibrant flavors before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture in the skillet, nestling them gently. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture. Transfer this to your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and the rice tender, infused with all the wonderful spices, vegetables, and juices.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let everything rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of bright herbal freshness that visually and tastefully completes your Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish for this dish, but you can also add a squeeze of lime for a zesty contrast or some thinly sliced green onions to brighten up the flavors. A few red chili flakes on top will add an extra kick if you like things fiery.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp tossed salad or some roasted plantains will round out your meal perfectly. A side of steamed vegetables or sautéed greens will also add a nice color contrast and nutritious touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over the rice for a more elegant presentation. For casual gatherings, scoop everything into warm tortillas or stuff into bell peppers for Caribbean-inspired wraps. Using vibrant plates or bowls brings that island spirit right to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool the dish before storing to keep it fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
For reheating, microwave on medium power or warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Heating it slowly helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken and prevents the rice from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thighs or drumsticks work well and can add extra richness, but cooking times may vary slightly. Make sure they’re fully cooked before serving.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Caribbean jerk seasoning adds a lovely kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the spice level by choosing milder or hotter jerk seasoning blends, or by adding your own chili peppers.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture when cooked. You can also experiment with basmati or jasmine for subtle aromatic differences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a jerk seasoning blend and chicken broth without gluten-containing ingredients. Always check labels to be sure.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms, and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep the flavor full and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe that brings warmth and excitement to any mealtime. It’s easy to prepare, packed with layers of flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and let this dish be your new favorite comfort food with a tropical twist.
Print
Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
A flavorful Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with spicy jerk seasoning, cooked together with rice, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for a hearty, aromatic meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon Caribbean jerk seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Rice
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with Caribbean jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse them with bold flavors.
- Heat Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until they are browned and have a nice crust.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the browned chicken breasts from the skillet and place them aside temporarily.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the grains slightly and enhance flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Reassemble Skillet: Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice!
Notes
- Use a heavy oven-safe skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel to ensure even cooking in the oven.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- To add extra heat, include a finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper with the vegetables.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier result.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
