Caribbean Spiced Jerk Chicken Delight
Savor the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this succulent Jerk Chicken recipe, inspired by my brother-in-law's traditional approach and enhanced with a few personal twists. Each succulent piece of boneless, skinless chicken breast is marinated in a robust blend of spices that offer a harmonious balance of heat and aromatic warmth. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner, serving up ten generous portions. For those who crave an extra kick, feel free to increase the amounts of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. Just remember, while the cooking time will ensure your chicken remains tender, the marinating time is crucial for maximizing flavor profile.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 lbs (boneless and skinless, cut into 4-6 long pieces)
canola oil
1/2 cup (none)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic powder
2 teaspoons (none)
onion salt
2 teaspoons (none)
basil
2 teaspoons (none)
thyme
2 teaspoons (none)
vegetable seasoning
2 teaspoons (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
coriander
2 teaspoons (none)
ginger
2 teaspoons (none)
black pepper
2 teaspoons (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cloves
1 teaspoon (none)
allspice
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1/3 cup (none)
onion
1 (diced)
green pepper
1 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together canola oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion salt, basil, thyme, vegetable seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, coriander, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, salt, and sugar until well combined.
2
Cut each chicken breast into 4-6 long pieces to increase surface area for better absorption of the marinade.
3
Add the prepared marinade to the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Incorporate the diced onion and green pepper into the marinade.
4
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable bag, and refrigerate to marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight to deepen the flavors.
5
Preheat your grill or broiler. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat, turning occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be cautious not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken. A perfectly cooked jerk chicken will be flavorful, juicy, and tender!
6
Serve hot and enjoy the burst of Caribbean flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Spiced Jerk Chicken Delight?
It is a succulent chicken dish marinated in a robust blend of Caribbean spices offering a harmonious balance of heat and aromatic warmth.
What cut of chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared before marinating?
Each chicken breast should be cut into 4 to 6 long pieces to increase the surface area for better marinade absorption.
What is the minimum marinating time?
The chicken should marinate for a minimum of 4 hours.
What is the preferred marinating time for maximum flavor?
For the deepest flavor profile, it is recommended to marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide ten generous portions.
Can I make the chicken spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amounts of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
What are the recommended cooking methods?
The chicken can be cooked on a grill or in a broiler.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
Cooking typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of canola oil.
Are there fresh vegetables in the marinade?
Yes, one diced onion and one diced green pepper are incorporated into the marinade along with the chicken.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the marinade includes 1/3 cup of sugar to help balance the heat and spices.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Be cautious not to overcook the meat beyond the recommended internal temperature to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
What traditional Caribbean spices are included?
The recipe includes classic flavors like allspice, ginger, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
Should the chicken be covered while marinating?
Yes, cover the mixture with plastic wrap or transfer it to a resealable bag before refrigerating.
Is onion salt used in addition to regular salt?
Yes, the spice blend uses 2 teaspoons of onion salt and 1 teaspoon of regular salt.
What herbs are used in the jerk seasoning?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons each of dried basil and dried thyme.
Is garlic powder included in the recipe?
Yes, the marinade uses 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
What is the purpose of turning the chicken while grilling?
Turning the chicken occasionally ensures even cooking and prevents the exterior from burning.
Is vegetable seasoning required?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of vegetable seasoning as part of its robust spice blend.
What gives the dish its aromatic warmth?
The combination of cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves provides a deep aromatic warmth.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, especially if the chicken is prepped for marination ahead of time.
Why is it important to whisk the marinade first?
Whisking the oil and spices together first ensures the seasonings are well combined before coating the chicken.
Is this recipe low carb?
The recipe is tagged as low carb, though it does contain some sugar in the marinade.
What type of pepper flakes are used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use this recipe for a large gathering?
Absolutely, as it yields 10 portions and is great for grills, it is ideal for gatherings.
Is chili powder used in this jerk recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of chili powder are included in the marinade.
Does the recipe use ground cloves?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves is added to the spice mixture.
How should the chicken be served?
It should be served hot to fully enjoy the vibrant burst of Caribbean flavors.