One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen, you’ve found it! This One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of spicy jerk chicken and sweet, creamy coconut rice makes every bite feel like a mini-vacation. Whether you’re whipping this up on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Cooking in one pan means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. Plus, the aromatic spices and fresh pineapple will fill your home with irresistible scents. This dish is all about joy, flavor, and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Everything cooks together in one pan, making this dish a breeze to prepare.
• Family-Friendly: With its sweet and spicy balance, even picky eaters will love it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The flavors deepen when made ahead of time. Perfect for meal prep!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of jerk seasoning and pineapple creates an unforgettable taste.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, nutritious ingredients that you can feel good about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for this tasty dish! You’ll find that most items are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you need:

For the Chicken

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
• Jerk Seasoning (Store-bought or Homemade): 1/4 cup (approx. 60ml). If using a very spicy blend, adjust to taste.

If making homemade, blend:
– Scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros): 3-4 (use fewer for less heat)
– Onion: 1 medium, quartered
– Scallions (green onions): 4-6, roughly chopped
– Garlic: 3 cloves minced
– Ginger: 1-inch piece, peeled and grated
– Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): 1/4 cup
– Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
– Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 2 tablespoons
– Brown Sugar (optional): 1 tablespoon for balance
– Dried Thyme (or fresh): 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
– Ground Allspice: 1 teaspoon
– Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
– Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
– Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
– Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

For the Rice

• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 1 tablespoon (for searing)
• Long Grain White Rice: 1.5 cups (e.g., Jasmine or Basmati), rinsed thoroughly
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml)
• Chicken Broth or Water: 1 cup (240ml) – adjust if coconut milk is very thick
• Fresh Pineapple: 1 cup, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (fresh is best)
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, deseeded and diced
• Scallions (Green Onions): 3-4, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs: 2-3 (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
• (Optional) Butter or Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing aromatics

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Change up the grain: Quinoa or brown rice can be used instead of white rice for a different texture.
• Make it spicy: For an extra kick, add more Scotch bonnet peppers to the marinade.

How to Make One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken in jerk seasoning. This step is crucial because it allows the chicken to soak up all those vibrant flavors. If you’re using homemade seasoning, combine your blended ingredients until smooth and coat the chicken well. Let it sit for at least half an hour—longer if you can—for maximum flavor!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil or avocado oil. Once hot, sear the marinated chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. This caramelization adds depth of flavor! Don’t worry about cooking them through; they’ll finish cooking later with the rice.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside temporarily. In the same skillet, add garlic and scallion whites along with any additional vegetables you’d like. Sauté until fragrant—this usually takes about a minute—because this step helps develop those beautiful flavors that will enhance your dish.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Stir in rinsed rice along with coconut milk and broth/water into the skillet. Add diced pineapple, red bell pepper, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. The coconut milk gives this dish such lovely creaminess!

Step 5: Add Chicken Back In

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently until everything is cooked through—about twenty minutes should do it! This allows each ingredient to come together perfectly.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once done cooking, remove from heat and discard bay leaf before serving. Fluff up that delicious rice with a fork and get ready to dig in! Garnish with scallion greens if desired—it adds such a nice touch!

Enjoy this One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe as part of your regular rotation; it’s perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe

Creating a delicious One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice is all about the details, and these tips will help you nail it every time!

• Choose the right chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures juicy meat that absorbs the jerk seasoning beautifully. Thighs are more forgiving than breasts and won’t dry out during cooking.

• Adjust the heat level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with fewer Scotch bonnet peppers in your homemade jerk seasoning. You can always add more later, but it’s hard to tone down the heat once it’s in!

• Rinse your rice: Rinsing your long-grain white rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps prevent it from becoming gummy. This results in fluffy rice that pairs perfectly with your savory chicken.

• Let it marinate: For optimal flavor, allow your chicken to marinate in the jerk seasoning for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. This gives the spices time to penetrate and infuse the meat.

• Don’t skip the pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a delightful sweetness that balances the spice of the jerk seasoning. It also introduces a tropical flair that’s essential for this dish’s authentic vibe.

How to Serve One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe

Serving this vibrant dish is an opportunity to showcase its colorful ingredients and tantalizing flavors. Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of chopped herbs adds freshness and a pop of color that enhances visual appeal.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze a bit of tangy goodness over their meal, brightening up the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn can be drizzled with olive oil and seasoned lightly. They complement the main dish without overpowering it.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with diced tomatoes, red onion, and a splash of vinegar provides a crisp contrast to the warm, hearty chicken and rice.
• Black Beans or Chickpeas: These protein-packed legumes can be seasoned simply with lime juice and cumin for an easy side that adds both nutrition and flavor.
• Plantains: Fried or baked plantains add sweetness and texture that harmonize beautifully with the spiciness of the jerk chicken.

Enjoy creating this mouthwatering One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice recipe! It’s sure to impress family and friends alike while bringing delightful tropical vibes right into your kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Be sure to let the dish cool down before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, consider freezing without any garnishes or toppings.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to keep it moist.
• Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use different cuts of chicken in the One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can use boneless breasts or even chicken drumsticks. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

How spicy is the One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe?

The spice level largely depends on your jerk seasoning choice. If using homemade seasoning, you can control the heat by adjusting the number of Scotch bonnet peppers. Start with fewer if you’re sensitive to spice!

What can I substitute for coconut milk in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use coconut milk, you can substitute it with almond milk or another plant-based milk. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly but still create a delicious dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Certainly! To make a vegetarian version of the One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe, use firm tofu or tempeh marinated in jerk seasoning instead of chicken. The cooking process remains similar!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice recipe as I am to share it with you! This dish combines vibrant flavors and is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weeks ahead. Each bite transports you to a tropical paradise! Enjoy making it, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!