Spicy Cuban Jerk Chicken with Currant Picadillo Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this delightful Spicy Cuban Jerk Chicken served with a rich and tangy Currant Picadillo sauce. The chicken is marinated in a bold mixture of Jamaican jerk seasoning, cumin, and paprika, imparting vibrant flavors. Sautéed with fresh vegetables and a touch of sweetness from red currant jelly, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon for an irresistible finish.
6
Servings
500
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jamaican Caribbean jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons, divided (measured)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (none)
Medium onion, chopped
1 (chopped)
Green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup (seeded and chopped)
Red currant jelly
1 (12 ounce) jar (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Tabasco sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 1/2 cups (seeded and diced)
Pimento stuffed olives, chopped
1/3 cup (chopped)
Currants
2 tablespoons (none)
Capers, drained
2 tablespoons (drained)
Fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Basil sprigs
2 (none)
Lemon wedge
1 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the Jamaican jerk seasoning, ground cumin, and paprika. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil to create a paste.
2
Rub the spice paste evenly over both sides of the boneless chicken breasts.
3
Heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it's hot.
4
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover, and keep warm.
5
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften.
6
Stir in the red currant jelly, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Tabasco sauce. Continue cooking for about 1 minute or until the jelly has melted and the mixture is well combined.
7
Add diced tomatoes, chopped olives, currants, and drained capers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
Lower the heat to medium, return the chicken to the skillet, and turn to coat it in the picadillo sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
9
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to serving plates and generously top with the Currant Picadillo mixture.
10
Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and garnish with basil sprigs and lemon wedges before serving.
Nutrition Information
36.67
Carbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cuban Jerk Chicken with Currant Picadillo Sauce?
It is a vibrant dish featuring chicken breasts marinated in Jamaican jerk spices, cumin, and paprika, served with a tangy sauce made of red currant jelly, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
Which spices are used for the jerk chicken rub?
The rub includes Jamaican Caribbean jerk seasoning, ground cumin, and paprika mixed with olive oil.
How do I prepare the spice paste?
Combine the jerk seasoning, cumin, and paprika in a small bowl, then stir in 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I sear the chicken initially?
Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second side over medium heat.
What vegetables are needed for the picadillo sauce?
You will need a medium chopped onion, green bell pepper, and plum tomatoes.
What is the main sweet component in the sauce?
A 12-ounce jar of red currant jelly provides the primary sweetness and base for the sauce.
What gives the sauce its tangy flavor?
The tanginess comes from a combination of Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Tabasco sauce.
How many plum tomatoes are required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of seeded and diced plum tomatoes.
What type of olives should be used?
Use 1/3 cup of chopped pimento-stuffed olives.
Are there any other briny ingredients in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of drained capers.
How long does the chicken simmer in the sauce?
The chicken should be covered and cooked in the sauce for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 18 specific ingredients listed for this dish.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between the rub and the skillet.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
The dish is garnished with both chopped fresh basil and whole basil sprigs.
Is Tabasco sauce included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce are added to the sauce for extra heat.
How should I prepare the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be seeded and chopped to yield 1/2 cup.
What do I do after searing the chicken?
Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it, and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
When do I add the currants?
Add the currants along with the tomatoes, olives, and capers after the jelly has melted.
How much jerk seasoning is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of Jamaican Caribbean jerk seasoning.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
How much cumin and paprika are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cumin and 2 teaspoons of paprika.
Should the tomatoes be seeded?
Yes, the plum tomatoes should be seeded and diced before being added to the sauce.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for cooking the chicken and the sauce.
How long do I sauté the onions and peppers?
Sauté the onion and green bell pepper for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Is a lemon wedge used?
Yes, a lemon wedge is used as a final garnish to add a squeeze of fresh juice before serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 36.67 grams of carbohydrates.
How do I serve the final dish?
Place the chicken on serving plates, top generously with the picadillo mixture, and sprinkle with fresh basil.