Spicy Caribbean Grilled Chicken Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Spicy Caribbean Grilled Chicken Delight recipe. Marinated in a zesty mixture of spices and lime juice, this grilled chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, complemented by a smoky barbecue sauce. Whether it's a backyard barbecue or a special family dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its deliciously tender and flavorful meat. Serve it alongside rice and beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal that captures the essence of island cooking.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken, cut up
3 lbs (broiler or fryer, trimmed of excess fat)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
onion powder
1 teaspoon
ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
brown sugar & hickory barbecue sauce
1/2 cup (divided (1/4 cup for brushing and 1/4 cup for finishing))
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it's evenly heated for optimal cooking.
2
Begin by trimming the chicken to remove any excess fat, ensuring a healthier dish.
3
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, and cinnamon. Stir in lime juice to create a flavorful marinade paste.
4
Generously rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly for maximum flavor. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for best results.
5
Arrange the marinated chicken on the preheated grill, skin side up. Close the grill lid to retain heat.
6
Grill the chicken for 15 minutes before flipping it over, allowing it to absorb those beautiful grill marks.
7
After turning, brush the chicken with 1/4 cup of the brown sugar and hickory barbecue sauce, coating it well.
8
Grill for an additional 10 minutes. Flip once more and apply the remaining 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
9
Continue grilling for an extra 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F, or until the juices run clear. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Caribbean Grilled Chicken Delight?
It is a flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring chicken marinated in a zesty spice blend and finished with a smoky brown sugar and hickory barbecue sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 5 people.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 pounds of cut-up chicken, specifically a broiler or fryer variety.
How should the chicken be prepared before marinating?
The chicken should be trimmed of any excess fat to ensure a healthier and more professional result.
What ingredients are needed for the dry spice rub?
The spice rub consists of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried thyme leaves, and ground cinnamon.
How is the marinade paste created?
In a small bowl, combine the spices and stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice to form a paste.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best results, you should let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes after rubbing it with the paste.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to medium heat, ensuring even heating across the surface.
How should the chicken be placed on the grill?
Arrange the chicken pieces on the grill with the skin side facing up.
Should I grill the chicken with the lid open or closed?
You should close the grill lid to retain heat and cook the chicken efficiently.
How long is the initial cooking phase on the grill?
The chicken should grill for an initial 15 minutes before being flipped over.
What kind of barbecue sauce is recommended?
A brown sugar and hickory barbecue sauce is recommended for its sweet and smoky flavor profile.
How much barbecue sauce is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce in total, divided into two stages of application.
When do I apply the first layer of barbecue sauce?
After the first 15 minutes of grilling and flipping the chicken, brush on 1/4 cup of the sauce.
When do I apply the second layer of barbecue sauce?
After grilling for an additional 10 minutes, flip the chicken once more and apply the remaining 1/4 cup of sauce.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is finished cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can I tell if the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear after being pierced or cut.
Is resting the chicken necessary?
Yes, you should remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
It is traditionally served alongside rice and beans or a fresh, crisp salad.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the combination of cayenne pepper and black pepper gives this dish a zesty, spicy kick.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While bottled works, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the most vibrant flavor.
What role does cinnamon play in this recipe?
Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet undertone that is characteristic of Caribbean island-style cooking.
How many individual ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used to prepare this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Absolutely, it is categorized for summer grilling and outdoor cooking, perfect for backyard barbecues.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish offers a balance of sweet, spicy, zesty, and smoky flavors.
Can I marinate the chicken longer than 30 minutes?
Yes, marinating for a longer period can help the spices penetrate deeper into the meat.
What makes this dish Caribbean-style?
The use of spices like thyme, cinnamon, and cayenne paired with lime juice reflects traditional Caribbean culinary influences.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it accessible for home cooks.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper (cayenne).
What is the total estimated grilling time?
The total grilling time is approximately 30 minutes: 15 minutes initially, 10 minutes after the first flip, and 5 minutes for the finish.