Everyone loves a vacation to the tropics, and this meal will take you to some fun in the sun! If you've never cooked with jerk or Cajun seasoning before, this spice blend is sure to liven up your pantry. Smarts: We plan our menus to try to use up all your ingredients, which is why we the rest of last night's coconut milk goes into our rice and beans.
Chicken - Mix together jerk or Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, cinnamon, soy sauce, vinegar, and cooking oil. Slice jalapenos and add to marinade. Toss marinade with chicken and tenderize with a fork. (Can be done up to 1 day ahead)
Beans - Rinse and drain.
Garlic (for rice and salad) / Bell peppers - Prep as directed. (Can be done up to 3 days ahead)
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Heat a Dutch oven or non-stick pot over medium-high heat for rice and beans. Pour in coconut milk, garlic, bay leaves, and jerk or Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and then add rice, chicken stock, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until rice has absorbed all the liquid. Fold in beans.
While rice is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brush some oil over skillet and then add chicken. Sear for ~3 minutes, flip and lower heat to medium. Cover with a lid and cook for another 3 minutes or until chicken is done (165F or 74C).
Make vinaigrette by whisking together garlic, vinegar, Dijon, and cooking oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss vinaigrette with greens and peppers when rice and chicken are done.
Remove bay leaves from rice and serve chicken with lime wedges and enjoy with coconut rice and salad!