Get ready to embark on a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean! This Jerk Chicken Thighs on Sweet Potato Pancakes recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the fiery, bold spices of Jamaica with the comforting, crispy sweetness of homemade potato pancakes. Imagine tender, juicy chicken with a kick of jerk seasoning, perfectly complemented by golden, crisp sweet potato pancakes that will make your dinner guests wonder how you became such a kitchen maestro. Whether you're looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine or impress at your next gathering, this recipe promises to deliver a knockout dining experience that's both exotic and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 2 sweet potatoes, grated
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and generously coating each thigh with jerk seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and set a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil.
- Sear the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy, then flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet with chicken thighs into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, grate sweet potatoes using a box grater or food processor, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- Mix grated sweet potatoes with beaten egg, salt, and pepper to create a cohesive pancake batter.
- Heat additional oil in a separate skillet over medium heat and form small pancakes with the sweet potato mixture, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Plate the sweet potato pancakes and top with the jerk chicken thighs, garnishing with optional fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.
Tips
- • For the most authentic jerk flavor, ensure your chicken thighs are thoroughly coated with the seasoning and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking if time permits.• When making sweet potato pancakes, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to ensure a crispy texture. A clean kitchen towel works perfectly for this.• Use a cast-iron skillet if available, as it provides the best heat distribution and helps create a beautiful, crispy chicken skin.• Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.• For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped green onions or cilantro to your sweet potato pancake mixture.• If you prefer less heat, you can adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to suit your spice tolerance.• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
