Creating Caribbean Chicken & Rice can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, curry powder, paprika, and thyme. Let marinate for about 15 minutes.
2. Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Brown Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Rice: Stir in the rice, coating it well with the sautéed vegetables, and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
6. Combine Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Return Chicken: Place the browned chicken back into the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
8. Simmer: Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
9. Add Peas: Five minutes before the end of cooking, add the frozen peas and stir gently to incorporate. Recover and continue cooking.
10. Check Doneness: Once the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove from heat. Let it sit covered for about 5 minutes.
11. Fluff and Serve: Using a fork, fluff the rice gently. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible Caribbean Chicken & Rice effortlessly.