Bajan Chicken and Rice Delight: A Taste of Caribbean Comfort

Bajan Chicken and Rice Delight: A Taste of Caribbean Comfort

Bajan Chicken and Rice Delight is a traditional Barbadian dish that brings together the comforting flavors of chicken and rice with a unique blend of spices and seasonings characteristic of Caribbean cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, then simmered to tender perfection, and served over a fragrant bed of rice, often accompanied by fresh vegetables or beans for a fulfilling meal.

Ingredients:
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup peas or mixed vegetables (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
– In a large bowl, combine lime juice, soy sauce, thyme, paprika, allspice, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
– Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure they are well coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2. Cook the Chicken:
– In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the marinated chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Prepare the Rice:
– Add the rice to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and vegetables.
– Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine.

5. Combine Everything:
– Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice mixture.
– Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. If using peas or mixed vegetables, add them to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

6. Serve:
– Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the Bajan Chicken and Rice Delight hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy the flavorful, comforting taste of the Caribbean with every bite of this delicious Bajan Chicken and Rice Delight!