Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Sausage Kebabs
Elevate your grilling game with these Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Sausage Kebabs! Marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, zesty lime, and a medley of aromatic spices, these kebabs burst with the flavors of the Caribbean. The combination of tender chicken breast and savory smoked sausage, balanced with the crunch of fresh bell peppers, makes for a delightful summer meal. Perfect for gatherings or a family dinner, these kabobs are quick to prepare, grill to juicy perfection, and sure to impress your guests. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or a refreshing salad for an unforgettable culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
lime
1 (juiced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (minced)
lime peel
1 tablespoon (grated)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (none)
light brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into 1 inch pieces)
light smoked sausage or turkey kielbasa
8 ounces (cut into 1 inch pieces)
green bell peppers
2 (cut into 1 inch pieces)
Instructions
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1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grill rack with oil to prevent sticking.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, fresh oregano, lime peel, onion powder, brown sugar, allspice, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
3
3. Reserve half of the marinade in a separate bowl for glazing later. Add the chicken pieces and smoked sausage to the remaining marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
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4. Prepare your skewers by threading marinated chicken, sausage, and green bell pepper pieces alternately onto the skewers.
5
5. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and close the lid. Grill the kebabs for about 8 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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6. Brush the kebabs with the reserved glaze every 2 minutes while grilling, allowing the flavors to deepen and caramelize. Just before serving, apply a final brush of the reserved glaze.
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7. Once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, remove the kebabs from the grill.
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8. Serve hot and enjoy the explosive flavors of these delicious kebabs!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Sausage Kebabs?
These are vibrant grilled skewers featuring marinated chicken breast, smoked sausage, and green bell peppers infused with Caribbean spices like allspice, cinnamon, and cayenne.
What ingredients make up the jerk marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, fresh oregano, lime peel, onion powder, brown sugar, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
How long should I marinate the meat?
You should allow the chicken and sausage to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of light smoked sausage or turkey kielbasa, cut into 1-inch pieces.
How should I prepare the grill?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the rack with oil to prevent the kebabs from sticking.
How long do the kebabs take to cook on the grill?
The kebabs typically take about 8 minutes to grill, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
What is the secret to the flavorful glaze?
Reserve half of the marinade before adding the raw meat to use as a glaze while grilling.
How often should I apply the glaze while grilling?
Brush the kebabs with the reserved glaze every 2 minutes during the grilling process and once more just before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breast meat, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
What size should the chicken and sausage pieces be?
Both the chicken and the sausage should be cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
Are these kebabs very spicy?
They have a moderate kick due to the cayenne pepper and jerk spices, but you can adjust the cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Do I need to use fresh oregano?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of minced fresh oregano for the best flavor, but dried oregano can be used in smaller quantities if necessary.
What kind of bell peppers should I use?
This recipe specifically uses 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces, for a classic crunch and flavor.
Can I use lime zest if I don't have a grater for lime peel?
Yes, lime zest is essentially the same as grated lime peel and will provide the required citrus aroma.
What should I serve with these kebabs?
They pair excellently with dipping sauces, a refreshing green salad, or Caribbean-style rice and peas.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
Close the lid while grilling to help the kebabs cook through evenly and retain heat.
Can I substitute the light brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup, though brown sugar provides a specific molasses-like sweetness common in jerk seasoning.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 1 lb of chicken and 8 oz of sausage, which typically makes 6 to 8 medium-sized kebabs depending on your skewer size.
Is allspice necessary for this recipe?
Yes, allspice is a foundational ingredient in Jamaican jerk seasoning and provides a unique warm flavor that is hard to replace.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
Certainly. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers will work perfectly and add a bit more sweetness compared to green peppers.
What type of skewers should I use?
You can use metal skewers or wooden skewers; if using wooden ones, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Can I make this on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat will yield similar results if an outdoor grill is not available.
Does the recipe require onion powder or fresh onions?
This recipe uses 1 tablespoon of onion powder for the marinade to ensure a smooth consistency for glazing.
How much olive oil is in the marinade?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil as the base for the jerk marinade.
Is the garlic minced or whole?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves that should be finely minced before being added to the marinade.
What is the purpose of the ground cinnamon?
Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet undertone that complements the savory and spicy elements of the jerk seasoning.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can thread the skewers and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to grill, though it is best to marinate the meat first.
What is the total preparation time excluding marinating?
Preparation and assembly take roughly 15-20 minutes, and grilling takes about 8 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the label on your smoked sausage or kielbasa to ensure it does not contain gluten fillers.