Description
Spicy Caribbean jerk chicken brings island heat to your plate with zesty marinade and fresh pineapple salsa. Sweet, tangy flavors dance together, creating a tropical feast that transports diners straight to Jamaica’s sun-drenched shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
Fruit and Vegetable Base:
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 0.5 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
- 1 handful of cilantro, roughly chopped
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 1 lime (juice)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together all marinade components in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Immerse chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each segment is generously coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- During marination time, craft the pineapple salsa by dicing fresh pineapple, red onion, and cilantro into uniform, small cubes.
- Incorporate lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper into the salsa mixture. Gently fold ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Optional: Use a food processor to pulse salsa ingredients for a more consistent texture, maintaining some chunky elements for visual appeal.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high temperature (around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit or 190-204 degrees Celsius).
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Arrange chicken pieces on the hot grill, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Let grilled chicken rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and redistribute internal juices.
- Plate the jerk chicken and generously top with fresh pineapple salsa, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Master the art of marinating by ensuring every chicken piece gets coated in the vibrant jerk seasoning.
- Refrigeration helps intensify the bold Caribbean flavors, allowing spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Blending salsa ingredients creates a smoother texture, but chopping works perfectly for a chunkier, rustic feel.
- Avoid cross-contamination by discarding used marinade and using clean utensils when handling raw chicken.
- Cooking chicken thoroughly means checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety.
- Grilling imparts a delicious smoky char that elevates the entire tropical dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg