Curried Chicken Pelau with Coconut Rice
A one-pot Trinidadian-inspired dish combining tender curried chicken with smoky caramelized pigeon peas and fragrant coconut rice. This caribbean-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, pelau rice or long grain rice, pigeon peas (canned or cooked) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 cups pelau rice or long grain rice
- 1 cup pigeon peas (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1, whole (optional) scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp brown sugar and cook, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes, until the sugar caramelizes to a deep amber color and you smell a toasted aroma.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs to the caramel and sear on all sides for 5-6 minutes until brown and coated in caramel.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 diced medium onion, 1 diced medium green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp curry powder over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until fragrant and spices bloom.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk, 2 1/2 cups water, 1 cup pigeon peas, 2 cups pelau rice, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (optional), 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let rest covered for 10 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs and scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Curried Chicken Pelau with Coconut Rice take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Curried Chicken Pelau with Coconut Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Curried Chicken Pelau with Coconut Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Curried Chicken Pelau with Coconut Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Curried Chicken Pelau with Coconut Rice?
Caribbean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
