One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and transports you straight to the Caribbean, then this One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe is just what you need! This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of spicy jerk chicken and sweet pineapple-coconut rice creates a harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I love how this meal comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. It’s one of those recipes that can impress guests yet is simple enough for a casual dinner. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a go-to favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30-40 minutes, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The vibrant spices in the jerk seasoning paired with sweet pineapple create a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish! The sweetness of the coconut and pineapple balances out the spice perfectly.
• One Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess and more time to relax after dinner.
• Make Ahead Potential: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and even prepare extra rice for quick meals throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe, you’ll need some deliciously simple and wholesome components. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this vibrant dish:

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). Adjust based on your heat 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, for balance)
* 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) – 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
• Butter or Coconut Oil (optional): 1 tablespoon for sautéing aromatics

Variations

The beauty of this One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe lies in its versatility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some colorful bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute chickpeas or tofu for chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes for an extra kick!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by blending your jerk seasoning ingredients if making it from scratch. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If using store-bought seasoning, simply combine that with your chicken thighs in a bowl.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—this helps infuse all those spicy notes deep into the meat. If you have more time, marinating overnight in the fridge makes it even tastier!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat up some olive oil. Sear your marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side. This step adds depth to your dish!

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add scallion whites, garlic, red bell pepper, and thyme sprigs. Sauté until fragrant; this enhances their natural sweetness.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Stir in your rinsed rice along with coconut milk and broth/water into the pan. Bring this mixture to a simmer before placing your seared chicken back on top. Cover tightly; let everything cook until rice is tender—about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Pineapple

Once cooked through, fluff up your rice gently and fold in those sweet pineapple cubes right before serving. This last-minute addition brings freshness that brightens up every bite!

Enjoy sharing this delightful One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe with family and friends!

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

This delightful dish is sure to impress, and with a few expert tips, you’ll take your culinary skills to the next level in no time!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can drastically enhance the flavors of your jerk seasoning. If possible, use whole spices and grind them just before cooking to release their aromatic oils.

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor: If you can, let the chicken marinate in the jerk seasoning overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, making each bite deliciously spicy and fragrant.

• Adjust the heat: Not all jerk seasonings are created equal! Taste your marinade before adding it to the chicken. If it’s too spicy, add a bit more brown sugar or coconut milk to balance it out.

• Don’t skip rinsing the rice: Rinsing your rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy. This ensures a fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with your flavorful chicken.

• Let it rest before serving: After cooking, allow your chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, ensuring each piece is tender and succulent.

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

Presenting this dish is just as important as making it! With vibrant colors and enticing aromas, you’ll want to serve it in a way that highlights its tropical charm.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty kick right before enjoying their meal.

Side Dishes

• Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like mangoes, papayas, and kiwis complements the spiciness of the chicken beautifully.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn tossed in olive oil and grilled offer a smoky contrast to the sweet coconut rice.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy vinaigrette provides a cooling effect against the warm spices.
• Black Beans: Simple seasoned black beans can serve as a hearty side that balances out the meal while adding protein and fiber.

With these serving ideas and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to enjoy an incredible dining experience that brings home the tastes of the Caribbean!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it come together quickly, but the flavors deepen and improve over time, making it a fantastic choice for leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure that chicken and rice are mixed together for even flavor distribution.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
• Alternatively, microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts; however, they may cook faster than thighs. Be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy.

What can I serve with One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice Recipe?

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

While you can use brown rice, you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

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

The spice level depends largely on your jerk seasoning. You can adjust the amount used according to your heat preference.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this One Pan Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple-Coconut Rice recipe! It’s a vibrant dish bursting with flavor and color that brings a taste of the tropics right to your kitchen. Whether it’s meal prepping for busy weekdays or serving up a family dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your experience!