Hey food lovers!
Are you in the mood for some delicious flavors?
Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’ll spice up your dinner: Jamaican jerk chicken breast!
It’s marinated in a zesty blend of spices that packs a punch.
Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor—this dish is sure to impress!
Let’s dive in and bring some Caribbean vibes to your kitchen!
Ingredient Substitutions
For the habanero pepper, scotch bonnet peppers offer a traditional Jamaican flavor with similar heat levels. Alternatively, jalapeños or serranos can be used for a milder spice profile, adjusting quantity to taste. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a juicier, more flavorful result. Use the same weight and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take longer to cook through. Coconut aminos can substitute for gluten-free soy sauce, providing a similar umami flavor with less sodium. Use a 1:1 ratio, but consider adding a pinch of salt to compensate for coconut aminos’ milder taste. These substitutions maintain the dish’s Caribbean essence while accommodating different heat preferences and dietary needs.
Preparation Time | 480-720 minutes |
Cooking Time | 35-40 minutes |
Total Time | 515-760 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2500
- Protein: 190-210 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-170 g
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (roughly chopped)
- 3 medium green onions (chopped)
- 1 habanero pepper (chopped, with or without seeds, your preference)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chinese five-spice
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (crumbled)
- 1 teaspoon fresh nutmeg, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Rice and peas, jamaican-style
- Fried plantains, jamaican-style
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a food processor, combine the onion, scallions, chiles, garlic, five-spice powder, allspice, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and salt.
Process these ingredients until they form a coarse paste, ensuring everything is well blended.
Step 2: Add Liquids to the Marinade
With the food processor running, slowly add the soy sauce and oil in a steady stream.
This helps incorporate the liquids evenly into the paste, forming a rich marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour the marinade into a couple of Ziploc bags.
Add the chicken pieces to the bags and turn them to ensure they are fully coated with the marinade.
Seal the bags and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken thoroughly.
Step 4: Prepare for Grilling
Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before grilling.
This ensures even cooking and enhances the flavor.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken, turning about every 10 minutes, until it is well browned and cooked through.
This process usually takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a platter and serve hot.
Enjoy the deliciously marinated and grilled chicken as a main dish with your favorite sides.