Jamaican jerk chicken is a tantalizing dish that encompasses the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. This recipe infuses the chicken with a sweet and smoky homemade jerk seasoning that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection and then topped with a luscious sauce made from sautéed peaches and plums. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
### Why You’ll Go Crazy For This Jerk Chicken Recipe
– **Sweet, Spicy, Savory**: The homemade jerk seasoning adds a delicious kick to the chicken, while the sautéed peaches and plums bring a sweet-savory element to the dish.
– **30-Minute Meal**: This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner as it takes only 30 minutes to make.
– **Great for Leftovers**: Jamaican jerk chicken makes for fantastic leftovers that taste just as good when reheated. Try using the leftover chicken in wraps or salads for a delicious lunch option.
### What Is Jamaican Jerk Chicken?
Jamaican jerk chicken is a traditional dish that originates from Jamaica, where meat, usually chicken, is rubbed with a blend of Caribbean spices and cooked over fire. The signature flavor of jerk chicken comes from spices like allspice, ginger, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. While this recipe is cooked in a skillet, it can also be made on the grill for an added smoky flavor.
### What You’ll Need
To make this Jamaican jerk chicken recipe, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, jerk seasoning, olive oil, cornstarch, stone fruit (such as peaches and plums), and brown sugar. The homemade jerk seasoning includes garlic powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
### Easy Homemade Jerk Seasoning
The homemade jerk seasoning used in this recipe is a blend of pantry-friendly spices that add depth and flavor to the chicken. You can adjust the level of heat in the seasoning to suit your taste preferences by adding more cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper.
### How to Make Jamaican Jerk Chicken
1. **Season the Chicken**: Rub the jerk seasoning all over the chicken pieces.
2. **Cook**: Pan-fry the chicken in olive oil until cooked through and then set aside.
3. **Make the Sauce**: Prepare a slurry with cornstarch and water, then sauté the fruit with sugar and salt. Add the slurry to thicken the sauce.
4. **Serve**: Spoon the fruit sauce over the cooked chicken and enjoy!
### Tips and Variations
– **Let the Chicken Rest**: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest helps retain its juices.
– **Adapt the Heat**: Adjust the level of spiciness in the jerk seasoning to suit your preferences.
– **Different Toppings**: Experiment with different toppings like mango salsa to add a tropical twist to the dish.
### Serving Suggestions
This Jamaican jerk chicken pairs well with fluffy white rice and can be enjoyed with a glass of Riesling or hibiscus iced tea. For a complete Caribbean feast, serve the chicken alongside buttery lobster tails or Dominican sancocho. Finish off the meal with a slice of banana pound cake for a satisfying dessert.
### Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover jerk chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat the chicken in the oven until heated through to enjoy it again.
### More Chicken Recipes
Explore more chicken recipes like this delicious Jamaican jerk chicken to add variety to your meal rotation. Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for future reference!
### Frequently Asked Questions
– **Why is it called jerk chicken?**: The term “jerk” originates from the Spanish word for dried meat, and Jamaican jerk spice is a key component in jerk recipes.
– **Is Jamaican jerk chicken very spicy?**: Traditional jerk recipes tend to be on the spicy side, but you can adjust the level of heat to your liking.
– **Why does my jerk chicken look burnt?**: The dark color on the chicken may be due to the spice rub browning in the skillet. Adjust the cooking temperature to prevent burning.
Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with this easy Jamaican jerk chicken recipe that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table.
