One Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken & Rice
A vibrant and easy one-pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken & Rice recipe packed with bold, spicy flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice. Ideal for weeknight meals, this dish combines authentic Caribbean zest with convenience and balanced nutrition.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on for extra flavor
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning blend (allspice, thyme, garlic, chili)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper or 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, for heat)
Grains
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with jerk seasoning and set aside for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors soak in, ensuring every bite is bursting with Caribbean zest.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden to lock in juices. Remove and set aside while you cook the aromatics.
- Cook Aromatics and Vegetables: Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the same pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the bottom to build savory layers.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rice, coating it in the flavorful base. Pour in chicken broth and add any additional seasoning like hot sauce or crushed Scotch bonnet pepper for authentic heat.
- Combine Chicken and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, discard any whole Scotch bonnet pepper used, and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top to brighten flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for extra richness and juiciness.
- Toast jerk seasoning briefly before mixing to enhance aroma.
- Adjust the quantity of Scotch bonnet pepper to control heat level.
- Keep pot covered during simmering to steam rice properly and prevent drying.
- Let the cooked dish rest off-heat with lid closed for 5 minutes to settle flavors and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: one pot meal, jerk chicken, Caribbean recipe, chicken and rice, easy dinner, spicy chicken, gluten free