One Pot Caribbean Jerk Chicken & Rice

Ingredients

• 2½-3 pounds (1-1.5k) chicken thighs ((about 5-6))
• 1½ teaspoons (8g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2g) chicken bouillon ((optional))
• 1-2 tablespoons (12-24g) jerk seasoning
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) canola oil
• ½ medium onion, (diced)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme ((or 1 teaspoon dried thyme))
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced)
• 2 small bay leaves
• 2 cups (360g) uncooked long grain rice
• 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk ((1¾ cups) )
• 1 15.5-ounce can red kidney beans, (rinsed and drained)
• 1 teaspoon (5g) white pepper
• 1½-2 teaspoons (8-10g) Creole seasoning ((or jerk seasoning))
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2-2¼ cups (470-530ml) chicken broth ((or water) If using 6 chicken thighs, I use 2 cups of water)
• 1 teaspoon (4g) chicken bouillon ((optional))
• 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper ((optional))
• 1 teaspoon (6g) paprika ((optional))
• 1 green onion (for garnish (optional))

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350℉/177℃.

2. 2

   Wash chicken thighs. For faster cooking, make a ½-inch slit into the meat on either side of the bone and pat dry with a paper towel—season with salt (about 1½ teaspoons) and bouillon powder.

3. 3

   Rub both sides of the thighs with a generous amount of jerk seasoning.

4. 4

   Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to a skillet, Dutch oven, or oven-safe pot. Then add chicken thighs skin side up, and brown for about 3 minutes on each side, being careful not to burn it. Take the chicken out of the pan and set aside.

5. 5

   Wipe the pan with a paper towel or napkin to remove any burned bits from the pan.

6. 6

   Add another 2 tablespoons of oil, followed by onions, thyme, garlic, and bay leaf, and sauté until soft but not golden, 2-3 minutes.

7. 7

   Then, add the rice and beans. Next, add all the remaining ingredients: chicken stock, coconut milk, paprika, white pepper, jerk seasoning, salt, and bouillon. Add the chicken back to the pot and bring everything to a boil.

8. 8

   Place the pan in the oven and cook, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is done.

9. 9

   Remove from oven, allow to rest a minute, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve.