Spicy Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a mouthwatering caribbean jerk chicken dish promises an explosion of island flavors that dance across your palate.

Aromatic spices blend seamlessly with tender meat, creating a culinary experience that transports you straight to tropical shores.

Marinated chicken sings with bold peppers and fragrant herbs, promising a meal that ignites every taste bud.

Jamaican culinary traditions shine through each carefully selected ingredient, turning simple proteins into something extraordinary.

Scotch bonnet peppers add a fiery kick that balances perfectly with cool rice underneath.

Succulent meat absorbs complex marinades, ensuring each bite tells a story of Caribbean cooking passion.

You’ll discover why this recipe has become a beloved staple that celebrates vibrant, authentic island cuisine.

Why Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice Stands Out

• Spice Up Your Mealtime: Dive into a flavor explosion with Caribbean jerk chicken that brings vibrant, bold tastes right to your dinner table.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: This one-pan wonder requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Meal: Packed with vegetables, protein, and aromatic spices, this dish delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs in a single skillet.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this recipe adapts easily and appeals to multiple taste preferences with its rich, Caribbean-inspired profile.

What’s Inside Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Thighs: A juicy and flavorful cut of chicken that absorbs the Caribbean jerk seasoning perfectly.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery, Bell Peppers: A classic mirepoix blend that adds depth, sweetness, and texture to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and rice.
• Jerk Seasoning: A signature Caribbean spice blend that provides a bold, spicy, and aromatic taste to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and richness to the rice, creating a flavorful base.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a subtle tangy note that balances the spicy jerk seasoning.

• Avocado Oil: A high-heat cooking oil that helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Rice: A staple grain that serves as a hearty and filling base for the Caribbean-inspired chicken dish.

Steps To Make Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a flavor-packed adventure.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Jerk seasoning

Let the chicken marinate and soak up all those spicy vibes for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum taste).

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Grab an oven-safe skillet and splash in some avocado oil. Heat it up to medium and create a golden sear on both sides of the chicken thighs.

Once beautifully bronzed, set them aside.

Step 4: Veggie Party

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Bell peppers

Sauté these colorful friends for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Rice and Spice Fusion

Add rinsed rice and another sprinkle of jerk seasoning to the skillet. Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Liquid Magic

• Vegetable broth
• Rice vinegar

Scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and stir everything together.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet.

Cover tightly with foil and slide into the oven for a full hour of transformative cooking.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Pull the skillet out of the oven.

Fluff the rice with a fork, let it cool for a few minutes, and get ready to dive into a Caribbean-inspired feast.

Tips To Nail Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken overnight in jerk seasoning for deeper, more intense taste profiles. Opt for bone-in chicken thighs to keep meat juicy and tender during baking process. Use fresh vegetables like locally sourced bell peppers and organic carrots for maximum nutritional value and vibrant colors. Select high-quality vegetable broth to boost overall dish complexity and ensure rich, balanced seasoning. Consider gluten-free options by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and checking jerk seasoning ingredients for potential allergens.

Ways To Remix Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice

• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace vegetable broth with coconut milk for a creamy, rich Caribbean-style rice base that enhances the jerk chicken's spicy profile.
• Seafood Switch: Swap chicken thighs with large shrimp or salmon fillets, maintaining the same jerk seasoning and cooking technique for a seafood-focused version.
• Vegetarian Caribbean Bowl: Substitute chicken with roasted plantains, black beans, and grilled tofu, keeping the jerk seasoning and rice preparation method intact.
• Spicy Pineapple Upgrade: Add fresh diced pineapple chunks during the vegetable sauté stage for a sweet and tangy complement to the spicy jerk seasoning.

Best Pairings For Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice

• Pair with Tropical Mojito: Blend fresh mint, lime juice, white rum, and a splash of pineapple juice for a zesty cocktail that complements the spicy jerk chicken's bold flavors.
• Serve with Mango Salsa: Dice ripe mangoes, red onions, jalapeños, and cilantro to create a sweet and tangy side that balances the chicken's heat and adds bright, fresh notes.
• Match with Crisp Coconut Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and toasted coconut flakes in a light lime-coconut dressing for a crunchy, cooling accompaniment that echoes Caribbean cuisine.

How To Keep Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Caribbean Jerk Chicken And Rice FAQ Roundup

• What is jerk seasoning?

A blend of spices originating from Jamaica, typically including allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and other warming spices that create a bold, spicy flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended because they stay more tender and juicy during cooking, especially with long baking times.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the jerk seasoning brand and amount used. You can control heat by choosing mild or hot jerk seasoning or adjusting the quantity.

• Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing rice removes excess starch, preventing clumping and helping achieve fluffy, separate grains in the final dish.

Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Caribbean jerk chicken dances with fragrant rice in this soulful island-inspired dish. Fiery seasonings and tropical flavors promise a culinary journey you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 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

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dry jerk seasoning
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or hot water)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust jerk seasoning blend by combining salt, pepper, and traditional Caribbean spices to infuse deep flavor into the chicken thighs.
2. Allow chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to maximize the absorption of aromatic spices.
3. Heat avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden sear on each side of the chicken thighs to lock in juices and develop a rich caramelized exterior.
4. Remove seared chicken and set aside, maintaining the flavorful fond in the skillet.
5. Sauté a medley of onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and creating an aromatic base for the rice.
6. Introduce rinsed rice and additional jerk seasoning into the vegetable mixture, ensuring each grain is evenly coated with spices and aromatics.
7. Deglaze the skillet with vegetable broth and rice vinegar, scraping up the concentrated flavor bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Gently nestle the seared chicken thighs into the seasoned rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
9. Cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to become tender.
10. Once completed, remove from the oven, let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes, then fluff the rice and serve the aromatic Caribbean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Boost jerk seasoning’s authenticity by using fresh thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers for a genuine Caribbean flavor profile.
• Enhance marinade absorption by making small cuts in chicken thighs, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jerk seasoning quantity or using mild/hot variations to suit different spice tolerances.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free and dairy-free dish by ensuring all ingredients, especially broth and seasonings, are certified allergen-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg