May 11, 2016

Caribbean Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice

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Tropical and bright, these caribbean chicken bowls are the perfect way to shake up your dinner routine! Filled with creamy coconut brown rice, crisp colorful veggies and juicy citrus chicken. Dairy free, gluten free and soy free.

A Caribbean Chicken Bowl with a fork, avocado and plantain chips to the side.

Let’s chat a sunshine-filled, tropical recipe! Filled with coconut rice … plenty of colorful veggies … fresh pineapple. So happy and bright.

The base of these bowls is a total staple at our house – creamy coconut brown rice. 

To that rice, we add on some citrus-y chicken. It’s nice and browned and has a touch of char-like flavor.

Then, we throw in some crisp tender colorful veggies, some sweet fresh pineapple, creamy dreamy avocado and a quick drizzle of lime vinaigrette (which we also used to marinate the chicken).

We throw it all into a bowl and serve with a big ol’ handful of plantain chips.

Largely because my obsession with them has reached epic levels. But also because they are just downright delicious and add a nice bit of extra crunch.

Small bowls filled with coconut rice, caribbean chicken, plantain chips, veggies and fresh pineapple.

Tips & Tricks

  1. I know the recipe time is a little on the longer side, BUT it does include time for the chicken to marinate. So, make the marinade and get the chicken all up in it. While it is hanging out in the fridge, start the rice and prep everything else (all the veggies, etc.). Cook the veggies, transfer to a bowl, and then use the same skillet to cook the chicken. 
  2. DO NOT let the chicken marinate for longer than the 25 minutes. The citrus will start to actually cook the chicken. No bueno.
  3. The cooking time for the chicken will vary slightly depending on how large your chicken breasts are. An instant thermometer is your best friend here and will help make sure you don’t overcook and dry it out. No one wants that.
  4. If your coconut milk is separated, just stick it in a saucepan on the stove and heat until combined (it doesn’t need to be warm or hot). Then use as directed.
  5. I totally think the chicken and veggies would be AWESOME grilled. 

A large white bowl filled with Caribbean Chicken and Rice with a fork in the dish.

Additional Chicken Recipes:

Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it down below! I’d love to hear from you.

Tropical & bright caribbean chicken bowls! This recipe is filled with creamy coconut rice, crisp colorful veggies and juicy citrus chicken!

Caribbean Chicken Bowls with Coconut Rice

Yield: about 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Tropical and bright, these caribbean chicken bowls are the perfect way to shake up your dinner routine! Filled with creamy coconut brown rice, crisp colorful veggies and juicy citrus chicken. Dairy free, gluten free and soy free.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • pinch of pepper
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, butterflied in half all the way through

For the rice:

  • 1 ½ cups uncooked brown basmati rice
  • 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 ¾ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the veggies / bowls:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium orange bell pepper, sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • pinch of pepper
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
  • 1 large avocado, pitted and sliced
  • plantain chips (optional)
  • lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

For the chicken:

  1. Add the ⅓ cup olive oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, maple syrup, salt and pepper to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
  2. Add the chicken to a large ziplock plastic bag and pour in the majority of the marinade, reserving about ¼ cup for later. Seal the bag and use your fingers to mix everything together.
  3. Transfer the chicken to the refrigerator and let sit for 25 minutes.
  4. When the chicken is done marinating, set a large nonstick skillet over medium / medium high heat. Add in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil (if you used the pan for the veggies and it still has some oil, you can add a bit less).
  5. Add the chicken to the pan (shake off the excess marinade first) and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly browned and the chicken releases easily. Flip the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until browned and the internal temperature registers 165ºF.
  6. Remove from the pan and allow to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing (or you can cut into chunks).

For the rice:

  1. While the chicken is marinating, add the rice, coconut milk, water and salt to a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, give it a stir, then cover and turn down the heat to medium-low / low. Let simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  3. Turn off the heat and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes untouched. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh cilantro.

For the veggies:

  1. Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add in the olive oil. When hot, add in the onion, both peppers, the salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until crisp tender.
  2. Remove to a bowl and cover loosely to keep warm (use this same skillet to cook the chicken!).

To serve:

  1. Scoop some of the coconut rice into a bowl. Top with some of the chicken, the sauteed veggies, some pineapple and avocado. Drizzle with a touch of the reserved lime vinaigrette. Serve with the plantain chips and lime wedges, if desired.

Notes

The amount of liquid required and the cooking time for the brown rice can vary a bit depending on the brand. If your package suggests something different, use the same amount of coconut milk listed above and then adjust the water accordingly. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Prep time includes 25 minutes to let the chicken marinate. See post above for more tips for this recipe.

Be sure that the plantain chips you buy are certified gluten free if needed for your diet.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 382Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 485mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 4gSugar: 13gProtein: 16g

Nutrition data shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.

© Ashley / Cook Nourish Bliss
Cuisine: Caribbean / Category: Main Dish
Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Main Dish, Poultry, Recipes (ALL), Soy Free
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