Dominican Creamy Coconut Rice with Shredded Chicken, Sweet Corn and Toasted Cassava Flatbread

Instructions

1. 1

   1. In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, 2 g (1 tsp) dried oregano, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, and 1 g (1/4 tsp) black pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

2. 2

   2. Heat a wide pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until nicely colored. Lower the heat to medium, add 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the chicken broth, cover, and cook 10 minutes more, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F / 74°C in the center.

3. 3

   3. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Reserve any cooking juices left in the pot as well.

4. 4

   4. In the same pot over medium heat, sauté the red onion, garlic, and ají dulce peppers for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the sweet corn and tomato paste and cook 2 minutes more, stirring well.

5. 5

   5. Stir in the long-grain rice and mix for 1 minute so it absorbs the flavors of the sofrito. Add the coconut milk, the remaining 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) chicken broth, bay leaf, the rest of the dried oregano, the remaining salt, and the remaining black pepper. Mix well.

6. 6

   6. When the liquid begins to simmer gently, add the shredded chicken and its reserved juices. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook partially covered for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times to create a creamy texture, until the rice is tender and luscious.

7. 7

   7. While the rice finishes cooking, preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Toss the cassava flatbread pieces with the melted butter and place them on a tray. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden and crisp.

8. 8

   8. Remove the bay leaf from the rice. Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice and the chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust salt if needed and let rest for 2 minutes.

9. 9

   9. Serve the creamy rice hot and finish each portion with the toasted cassava flatbread on top for crunchy texture.