One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that will transport you straight to the tropics, I have just the thing! This One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful meal that has quickly become a favorite in my home. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. The combination of spicy jerk chicken paired with sweet, tropical coconut rice is simply irresistible!

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pan. Plus, it showcases bright flavors that will impress your guests while being simple enough for a cozy dinner at home. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Everything comes together in one pan, so you can focus on enjoying your meal instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and spicy flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a hit at any table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time or even prepare the entire dish in advance for a stress-free dinner.
• Tropical Vibes: The combination of jerk seasoning and pineapple brings a taste of the Caribbean right into your kitchen!
• Versatile Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers as-is or transform them into tacos, salads, or grain bowls for lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re going to love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Most of them are pantry staples or easily found at your local grocery store. Here’s what you need to create this delightful dish:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 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). Adjust based on spice preference.

If making homemade, blend:
* 3-4 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros), stemmed and roughly chopped
* 1 medium onion, quartered
* 4-6 scallions (green onions), roughly chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
* 1 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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)
• Fresh Pineapple: 1 cup, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 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
• Butter or Coconut Oil (optional): 1 tablespoon for sautéing aromatics

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Alternatively, tofu works beautifully if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist!
• Change up the veggies: Feel free to add other colorful vegetables like zucchini or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.
• Add more fruit: Incorporate mangoes or peaches along with pineapple for an extra fruity punch!
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some extra hot peppers in the marinade for additional heat.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine your chicken thighs with jerk seasoning—whether store-bought or homemade—and let them soak up those spicy flavors. Marinating for at least an hour enhances the taste significantly; overnight is even better if you have time!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sear each piece of chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor!

Step 3: Cook Aromatics and Add Rice

Remove the chicken temporarily from the pan. In the same skillet, add scallion whites and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Then stir in rinsed rice until it’s coated with oil—this helps achieve fluffy grains later on.

Step 4: Combine Liquid Ingredients

Next up! Pour in coconut milk and broth/water along with diced pineapple, red bell pepper, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir before placing your seared chicken back on top.

Step 5: Simmer Away!

Cover your skillet tightly and bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer gently until rice absorbs all those delicious flavors—about 20 minutes should do it!

Step 6: Fluff & Serve!

Once cooked through and aromatic goodness fills your kitchen air—remove from heat! Discard bay leaf and fluff rice using a fork before serving warm with extra scallion greens sprinkled on top.

And there you have it—a complete One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and love! Enjoy every bite!

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

Creating a flavorful and vibrant dish like this one is all about the details! Here are some tips to help you master this recipe:

• Choose the Right Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tenderness and flavor. They hold up well during cooking and absorb the jerk seasoning beautifully.

• Balance the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less jerk seasoning or use milder peppers. This way, you can enjoy the dish without it overwhelming your palate.

• Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing the rice thoroughly helps remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming gummy. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy rice!

• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and spices. Fresh thyme and ginger elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile and aroma.

• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and delicious.

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

When it comes to presenting this vibrant dish, a little creativity goes a long way! You can serve it family-style straight from the pan or plate it individually for a more sophisticated touch.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and brightness to your dish.
• Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick when squeezed over the chicken.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices provide a lovely contrast to the spicy chicken and add a rich texture.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed in vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn pairs perfectly with spicy jerk chicken, adding a smoky sweetness that balances flavors.
• Black Bean Salad: A hearty black bean salad with diced bell peppers, onion, and lime juice offers protein and fiber while enhancing your meal’s tropical vibe.
• Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains bring a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat of jerk seasoning, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with this delightful One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week. With a few simple storage tips, you can keep your meals fresh and ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.
• Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make the One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice in advance?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator or freeze portions for later enjoyment.

What type of rice works best for the One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe?

Long grain white rice like Jasmine or Basmati is ideal, as it cooks well with the coconut milk and absorbs all those fantastic flavors.

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

The spiciness depends on the jerk seasoning you use. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, especially if using homemade seasoning with Scotch bonnet peppers.

Can I substitute chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes! Chicken breasts or even tofu can be used as alternatives, just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors that transport you to a tropical paradise. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!