Get ready to transport your kitchen to the vibrant streets of Jamaica with this mouthwatering Jerk Chicken recipe that promises to deliver an explosion of bold, spicy, and tropical flavors! Imagine crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs paired with a refreshing black bean mango salsa that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds. This isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that brings the heart of Caribbean cuisine right to your plate in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Jamaican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
- Generously coat both sides of the chicken thighs with jerk seasoning, massaging the spices into the meat to maximize flavor penetration. Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow spices to absorb.
- Preheat a grill or large cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of neutral cooking oil.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 7-8 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, prepare the black bean mango salsa by combining rinsed black beans, diced mango, finely chopped red onion, and fresh lime juice in a mixing bowl. Gently toss to combine.
- Once chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Plate the jerk chicken and top generously with the fresh black bean mango salsa. Garnish with additional lime wedges if desired.
- Serve immediately with optional side of rice, grilled vegetables, or mixed green salad to complete the meal.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, let the jerk seasoning sit on the chicken for at least 10 minutes before cooking to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
- If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully and helps create an equally crispy skin.
- To enhance the salsa, consider adding fresh cilantro or a small diced jalapeño for extra zing.
- For an even more authentic experience, marinate the chicken overnight in the jerk seasoning if time permits.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to ensure the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 333kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg