You will be transported on a tropical vacation with this ever so easy and flavorful Caribbean Chicken & Rice. Sweet pineapple, savory bacon, satisfying black beans and the spices of Caribbean makes this a perfect meal anytime of the year.

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My husband has entered his busy season with work and that means he will be away traveling for quite awhile. We were blessed in that he was able to come home this last week. In my usual fashion I had grand plans of making a bunch of different home cooked meals to spoil him. Home cooking is an absolute treat for him during his busy season and it is one of the ways I can shower him with love. As usual, I was able to accomplish half of what I set out to cook for him.

I am always reminded of the anonymous quote, “Most people overestimate what they can do in a day and underestimate what they can do in a lifetime.” This quote helps me to put perspective on not beating myself up when I can’t get everything checked off my list everyday and reminds me not to talk myself out of my bigger life goals. Of the meals I was able to cook for Paul, this Caribbean Chicken & Rice was at the top of his favorites last week. He loved the combination of sweet, spicy and savory.

I absolutely love the spices for this Caribbean Chicken & Rice. The pungent and fragrant allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon with the heat of cayenne is absolutely tantalizing for the senses. Add in the crispy bacon and you can guarantee the heavenly aromas will beckon your family to the dinner table.

Tips for Caribbean Chicken & Rice

While chicken is baking, prep other ingredients and fry the bacon. At around the 20 min mark of the chicken, start prepping the onions, garlic, rice etc. The timing of the chicken should coincide beautifully with the timing of the rice.
1/4 tsp of cayenne will produce a mild heat, 1/2 tsp is a medium heat and a full tsp will be a hot heat.
If you and your family are not huge fans of Caribbean spices omit the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cayenne. The dish will still taste wonderful but will have more of a Spanish twist.
Two of my favorite dutch ovens to use for this Caribbean Chicken & Rice is either Lodge’s Cast Iron Dutch Oven or Lodge’s Enameled Dutch Oven.
If using brown rice, an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth may be needed and can be added at the halfway point.

This Caribbean Chicken & Rice is an easy dish to make with the beautifully complex flavors of the Caribbean.

Variations of the Recipe

Seafood Twist- Add shrimp or chunks of fish during the last few minutes of cooking for a Caribbean seafood delight.
Coconut Infusion- Replace some of the chicken broth with coconut milk for a richer flavor.
Fruit Swap- Replace the pineapple for mango or peaches
Spicy Kick- Increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Nutty Crunch- Top with sliced almonds or cashews before serving.
Veggie Add Ins- Stir in diced zucchini or bell peppers along with the beans.

Serving Suggestions

Tropical Salad- Serve with a refreshing tropical fruit salad for a burst of freshness.
Coconut Rice- Accompany the dish with coconut rice to complement the Caribbean flavors.
Plantains or Avocado- Sautéed plantains or slices of ripe avocado make excellent side dishes for this flavorful meal.

How to Store

Refrigeration- Store leftover Caribbean Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may absorb some liquid as it sits. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to refresh.
Freezing- While rice dishes can change texture upon freezing, you can freeze the chicken and rice mixture in portions for up to one month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

More Tips and Hints

Bacon Grease Flavor- Save flavor by using a portion of bacon grease for sautéing onions. It adds a delicious smoky undertone to the dish.
Toasting Rice- Toasting the rice with spices enhances its flavor. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Chicken Resting Time- Let the diced chicken rest for about 10 minutes before adding it to the dish. This helps retain its juiciness.
Midway Stirring- When cooking the rice, stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and absorption of liquid.
Fresh is Best- Use fresh lime juice for maximum bright flavor. Bottled juice lacks the tartness needed to balance this dish.
Garnish- Top with extra lime wedges, cilantro leaves, diced onion or avocado for a pop of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of baking chicken breasts?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a convenient alternative. Simply cube the chicken and proceed with the recipe.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs would be delicious. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I substitute the bacon with a different protein?

Certainly! You can use ham, sausage, or even shrimp for a different flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra beans or your favorite vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of pineapple chunks?

Yes, canned pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple can be substituted. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for pineapple.

What can I do if I don’t have Jasmine or basmati rice?

You can use long-grain white rice as a substitute. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice used.

Can I use canned beans instead of black beans?

Yes, you can substitute any canned bean variety like pinto or kidney beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them first.