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Caribbean Chicken and Rice

This dish features seasoned chicken cooked with aromatic garlic, thyme, and coconut milk, served over rice that absorbs the flavorful sauce, creating a creamy and savory final dish with tender chicken pieces and fluffy rice. The cooking involves sautéing, simmering, and layering flavors to achieve a rich, comforting texture with vibrant aromas.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or boneless as preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk full-fat preferred
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or coconut oil
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until browned on both sides, then remove from skillet and set aside.
    1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the thyme leaves and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, 1 medium onion
  3. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it over the aromatics. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
    1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 2 tablespoons oil
  4. While the chicken simmers, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, cook the rice with 2 cups of water according to package instructions until fluffy, about 15 minutes. Keep warm.
    1 cup long-grain white rice
  5. Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates. Top with the chicken thighs and spoon the rich coconut sauce over the rice. Garnish with additional thyme or herbs if desired.