Caribbean Chicken And Rice
A vibrant Caribbean-inspired chicken and rice dish featuring spicy sausage, flavorful tomatoes, and spices, perfect for hearty family dinners or entertaining guests. Rich and comforting.
Ingredients
- 14 1/2 oz. can Del Monte Cajun style stewed tomatoes
- 2 3/4 lb. chicken fryer pieces ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. hot Italian sausage links, sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice or cinnamon ⓘ
- 15 oz. can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the stewed tomatoes, reserving the liquid.
- Add water to the reserved tomato liquid to measure 1 3/4 cups.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, brown the sliced hot Italian sausage and set aside.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them, then drain excess fat.
- Add the sausage, uncooked rice, minced garlic, ground allspice, and the reserved liquid to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes or until the chicken is done.
- Stir in the drained beans and chopped green pepper, then cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you don't have Cajun-style stewed tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes combined with Cajun seasoning will work well. You can substitute the chicken with turkey pieces or use a mix of different beans, like kidney beans, for a unique twist. Serve this dish with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Caribbean Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad or coleslaw. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside cornbread or fried plantains. This dish is a wonderful choice for gatherings and can be a star among chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power until heated through, or warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep it moist. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caribbean Chicken And Rice contains roughly 1261 calories, with 100g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (199% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1161mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so plan for an additional 10-15 minutes and ensure you have enough liquid to cook it properly.
What can I substitute for the hot Italian sausage?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage or even turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based sausage or simply omit it and add more vegetables for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheating it allows the flavors to meld even more. Just ensure to cool it completely before storing, and reheat thoroughly before serving for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).