Creating Caribbean Chicken and Rice is easy when you follow these steps:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
2. Sear Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for about 5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Spices: Stir in curry powder, thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
5. Combine Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
6. Add Rice: Add rice and bay leaf to the mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
7. Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
8. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Add Peas: If using, stir in green peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Rest: Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before lifting the lid. This helps the flavors meld together.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of Caribbean Chicken and Rice ready to serve!