Ingredients
2½ to 3 pounds (about 5–6 pieces) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (optional)
1 to 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (adjust to taste, divided)
4 to ½ cup canola or neutral vegetable oil (for searing and sautéing)
½ medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 small bay leaves
2 to 2½ cups long grain rice (white or basmati), rinsed and drained
1 13.5-ounce can (about 1¾ cups) coconut milk
1 15.5-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 to 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (adjust liquid according to rice quantity)
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for mild heat; dice for more spice or omit entirely)
Juice of 1 lemon (optional, adds brightness)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
1 to 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
2 to 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Rinse chicken thighs and optionally make a ½-inch slit on both sides for faster cooking. Pat dry.
2. Season chicken with salt, chicken bouillon (if using), and 1 to 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes if time permits.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin side down for about 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Wipe away burnt bits from the pan with a paper towel and add remaining oil. Sauté diced onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves until softened but not browned, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in rinsed rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. If using, add tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
6. Add kidney beans, chicken broth, coconut milk, paprika, white pepper, remaining jerk seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Stir to combine thoroughly. Add the scotch bonnet pepper if using.
7. Return chicken thighs to the pot, placing them atop the rice mixture. Bring to a boil on the stove.
8. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven, uncovered or covered, and bake for 30-60 minutes, depending on thigh thickness, until chicken is thoroughly cooked and rice is tender.
9. Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Last Step:
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🌶️ Tip: Jerk seasoning can be substituted or combined with other spice blends like Creole or poultry seasoning.
🥕 Tip: Adding mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms during step 5 enhances flavor and nutrition.
🥥 Tip: For a lighter dish, omit coconut milk and replace with equal amounts of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 240 g
- Calories: 360-628 kcal
- Sugar: Varies with ingredients
- Sodium: 700-1220 mg
- Fat: 19-22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3-9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies with ingredients
- Trans Fat: Minimal
- Carbohydrates: 28-68 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11-44 g
- Cholesterol: Various quantities