Ingredients
Jerk Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 green onions, roots trimmed and chopped into thirds (or substitute 1/2 medium red onion)
- 1 jalapeño, stemmed and chopped into thirds
- 1-inch knob ginger, peeled and minced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing grill
- 1 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Mango Avocado Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Coconut Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound the thicker parts with the flat side of a meat mallet to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking; thighs do not require pounding.
- Make the Marinade: Add green onions, jalapeño, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, black pepper, and cinnamon to a food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture is somewhat coarse but well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a gallon-size resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, rubbing it thoroughly to coat all pieces. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably up to 8 hours, to let the flavors penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (204°C). Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and cover loosely to keep warm. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, gently combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño if using, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Mix just enough to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Cook the Coconut Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- Serve: Plate the rested jerk chicken over a bed of coconut rice and top with generous spoonfuls of mango avocado salsa. Enjoy this tropical, spicy meal warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the marinade and salsa according to your heat preference.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tang and brightness in both the marinade and salsa.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch for fluffier coconut rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean