Spicy Sweet Jerk Chicken Skewers
These Spicy Sweet Jerk Chicken Skewers are perfect for those who crave the bold flavors of Caribbean cuisine but are short on time! Infused with a delightful sweet and spicy jerk marinade made from simple ingredients found in your pantry, these skewers make for an easy dinner or party treat. Simply marinate overnight for maximum flavor, and grill low and slow for perfectly juicy and tender chicken. This versatile recipe also works beautifully with pork, making it a fantastic option for any barbecue. Serve them alongside a vibrant mango and corn chutney or a refreshing fruit salad for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking Oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Minced Garlic
4 cloves (Minced)
Onion
1 small (Chopped or use 1 small red onion)
Scotch Bonnet Peppers
2-5 (Finely chopped (adjust to taste))
Lime Juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Green Onions
3 (Chopped)
Scallions
3 (Chopped)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (None)
Thyme Leaves
1 tablespoon (Fresh or dried)
Ground Allspice
2 teaspoons (None)
Black Pepper
2 teaspoons (Freshly ground)
Nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon (Freshly grated or powdered)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Chicken Breasts
5 (Cut into chunks)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl or resealable bag, mix together cooking oil, minced garlic, chopped onion (or red onion), scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to your spice preference), lime juice, soy sauce, green onions, chopped scallions, brown sugar, thyme leaves, ground allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt to create the marinade.
2
Cut the chicken breasts into uniform chunks for even cooking. Tip: For easier slicing, partially freeze the chicken breasts for about 30 minutes before cutting.
3
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, stirring occasionally to ensure even marination.
4
Preheat your grill and brush it lightly with oil to prevent the skewers from sticking.
5
Skewer the marinated chicken chunks onto metal skewers or soaked bamboo skewers, spacing them evenly.
6
Grill the skewers on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7
Serve the skewers immediately, paired with fresh mango and corn chutney, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing fruit salad.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
9g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Sweet Jerk Chicken Skewers?
These are Caribbean-inspired chicken skewers featuring a sweet and spicy jerk marinade, perfect for quick dinners or parties.
What are the primary ingredients in the jerk marinade?
The marinade consists of cooking oil, garlic, onion, Scotch bonnet peppers, lime juice, soy sauce, green onions, scallions, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
How many chicken breasts are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for five chicken breasts.
What is the recommended way to prepare the chicken for skewers?
Cut the chicken breasts into uniform chunks for even cooking.
Is there a tip for easier slicing of the chicken?
Yes, partially freeze the chicken breasts for about 30 minutes before cutting to make slicing easier.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
How should the grill be prepared?
Preheat the grill and brush it lightly with oil to prevent the skewers from sticking.
What type of heat is best for grilling these skewers?
The skewers should be grilled on low heat to ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender.
How long does it take to grill the chicken skewers?
Grill the skewers for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Can I use a different protein besides chicken?
Yes, this versatile jerk marinade also works beautifully with pork.
What should I serve with these skewers?
They are best served with mango and corn chutney, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing fruit salad.
How many calories are in a serving of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 15 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these skewers?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Which pepper provides the heat in this recipe?
Scotch bonnet peppers are used for the spice.
How many Scotch bonnet peppers should I use?
You can use between 2 and 5 peppers, depending on your spice preference.
What kind of onions are used in the marinade?
The recipe uses a small onion (or red onion), green onions, and scallions.
What type of sugar is in the marinade?
Two tablespoons of brown sugar are used.
Can I use dried thyme?
Yes, you can use either fresh or dried thyme leaves.
What kind of skewers should I use?
You can use metal skewers or soaked bamboo skewers.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How much garlic is used?
Four cloves of minced garlic are needed.
What spices contribute to the jerk flavor?
Ground allspice, black pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon provide the signature jerk flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
How much soy sauce is added?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
How much allspice is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of ground allspice.
Should the chicken be marinated in the fridge?
Yes, seal the container or bag and refrigerate for the duration of the marination process.
Is this a Caribbean recipe?
Yes, it is specifically described as Caribbean cuisine featuring traditional jerk flavors.