Caribbean Mixed Fried Rice with Whole Roast Chicken & Salad

Ingredients:

For the Whole Roasted Chicken:
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tbsp Caribbean jerk seasoning (or a mix of thyme, allspice, garlic powder, and cayenne)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme or rosemary
For the Caribbean Mixed Fried Rice:
  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old)
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup carrots (diced)
  • 1/4 cup peas
  • 1/4 cup shrimp or diced chicken (optional)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Fresh Salad:
  • 1 cup lettuce (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup cucumber (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime or orange juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rub the chicken with olive oil or butter, then season with jerk seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic, and lime juice.
  3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and add fresh thyme or rosemary.
  4. Roast for about 1 hour 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

2. Prepare the Fried Rice:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and peas, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add shrimp or chicken (if using) and cook until done.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, curry powder, and allspice. Mix well.
  5. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, then add green onions and toss.

3. Make the Salad:

  1. In a bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime or orange juice.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss well.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Plate the sliced roasted chicken with fried rice and salad on the side.
  • Serve with extra lime wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.