Ingredients
Scale
Let’s get into the heart of the recipe! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (I love using a mix of colors for a vibrant dish)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine for extra flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (for added color and nutrition)
Substitution suggestions: You can use boneless chicken if you prefer a quicker cooking time, or swap out the coconut milk for regular milk or broth for a lighter option. Don’t have thyme? Try oregano or even a pinch of rosemary!
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process. I promise it’s straightforward and allows for a little bit of improvisation—just how I like it!
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will start bringing back memories of home!
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. I always love those moments when the garlic hits the hot oil—it’s like a warm hug for the senses.
- Add the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in those juicy flavors!
- Sprinkle the curry powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper over the chicken, stirring everything to coat the chicken evenly.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the rice and frozen peas, stirring everything together. Ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid—this is where the magic happens!
- After 25 minutes, check the rice. If it’s tender and the liquid is absorbed, you’re good to go! If not, cover and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Caribbean Chicken and Rice, recipe, cooking, food