Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Bites
Indulge in the vibrant and aromatic flavors of the Caribbean with these Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Bites. Made entirely from scratch, this zesty recipe features a combination of fresh herbs, spices, and citrus that elevates the traditional jerk seasoning to new heights. Each tender chicken nugget is infused with a tangy marinade that balances sweetness and heat, perfect for those who love a flavor-packed experience. Served alongside classic red beans and rice, this dish is an excellent option for gatherings or family dinners, bringing a taste of Jamaica right to your table.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (none)
Fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (juice)
White vinegar
3/4 cup (none)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Orange juice
1/2 cup (juice)
Green onions
3 (finely chopped)
Yellow onion
1 large (finely chopped)
Jalapeno peppers
2 (seeded and finely chopped)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Sea salt
2 tablespoons (none)
Ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground sage
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Coarse ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Ground thyme
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground allspice
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Chicken breasts
5 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Instructions
1
In a 9x13 deep cake pan or casserole dish, combine all ingredients except the chicken. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
2
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is fully coated with the mixture. Press the chicken down firmly into the pan to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
4
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the covered chicken for 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate and the chicken to cook through.
5
After 1 hour, remove the cover and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.
6
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and mix well. Drain any excess marinade before serving hot alongside red beans and rice.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
23g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Bites?
They are tender chicken breast nuggets marinated in a vibrant, from-scratch Caribbean jerk seasoning featuring citrus, herbs, and spices.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for a minimum of 2 hours, but for deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours.
What is the cooking temperature for this recipe?
The chicken is initially baked at 375°F (190°C) for one hour, then the temperature is increased to 400°F (200°C) for the final 30 minutes.
How do I achieve a crispy exterior on the chicken bites?
By removing the cover and increasing the oven temperature to 400°F during the last 30 minutes of baking, you will achieve a crispy exterior.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts; they may result in a slightly juicier texture.
What serving suggestion is recommended for this dish?
These jerk chicken bites are traditionally served alongside red beans and rice.
Are these chicken bites very spicy?
The recipe includes jalapeno peppers and cayenne pepper, providing a zesty heat that is balanced by the sweetness of sugar and orange juice.
What spices are used in the jerk marinade?
The marinade uses a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, black pepper, cayenne, thyme, allspice, and garlic powder.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of white vinegar to provide the necessary tang for the marinade.
How much chicken does this recipe require?
This recipe is designed for 5 pounds of chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
Is there any citrus in the marinade?
Yes, the marinade includes both fresh lime juice and orange juice for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
What type of onions are needed?
The recipe calls for three finely chopped green onions and one large finely chopped yellow onion.
Should I drain the marinade before serving?
Yes, after cooking, you should mix the chicken well and drain any excess marinade before serving.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain soy?
Yes, the marinade includes 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
While the recipe calls for jalapenos, you can use Scotch Bonnet peppers for a more traditional and intense Jamaican heat.
How do I prepare the chicken for marinating?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch cubes before being added to the marinade.
Do I need to cover the pan during baking?
The pan should be covered for the first hour of baking to allow flavors to penetrate, then uncovered for the final 30 minutes.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar in the jerk seasoning?
Yes, one tablespoon of sugar is added to help balance the heat and acidity.
What size pan should I use?
A 9x13 deep cake pan or casserole dish is recommended.
Can I make this recipe for a large gathering?
Yes, with 5 pounds of chicken, this recipe is excellent for hosting family dinners or parties.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is one hour and 30 minutes.
Are the jalapenos seeded for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specify that the jalapenos should be seeded and finely chopped.
Can I use garlic cloves instead of powder?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, but you could substitute fresh minced garlic if preferred.
Should the chicken be pressed into the pan?
Yes, pressing the chicken down firmly into the marinade helps the flavors meld more effectively.
What makes this 'from scratch'?
It is considered from scratch because it uses individual herbs, spices, and fresh citrus juices rather than a pre-made bottled jerk sauce.