Caribbean Grilled Chicken With Citrus
Juicy grilled chicken infused with Caribbean jerk spices and citrus flavors, served with fresh grapefruit and rice for a vibrant, tropical-inspired meal perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 14 1/2 oz. can chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 cup orange juice, thawed
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Jamaican jerk seasoning ⓘ
- 2 tsp. finely shredded orange peel ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 4 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 cups hot cooked rice
- 2 red grapefruit, peeled, sliced, and seeded ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
Instructions
- In a non-metallic bowl, stir together chicken broth, orange juice, vinegar, jerk seasoning, orange peel, and garlic.
- Cover and chill half of the mixture for the sauce.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry.
- In a plastic bag set in a shallow dish, combine chicken and the remaining orange mixture.
- Close the bag and chill for 2 to 24 hours, turning occasionally to distribute the marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. If you don’t have Jamaican jerk seasoning, a mix of paprika, cayenne, and allspice can work as a substitute. To enhance the citrus flavor, consider adding some lime juice or zest. Always use fresh garlic for a more vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled chicken atop a bed of hot cooked rice, which pairs beautifully with Creole Black Beans. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and the chilled citrus sauce. For a refreshing side, consider a simple salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette. This dish also complements well with roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power in short intervals to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caribbean Grilled Chicken With Citrus contains roughly 126 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will increase. Make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Bone-in chicken tends to have more flavor, so it can enhance the dish further.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, fresh lime juice or grapefruit juice can be used as alternatives, though they will change the flavor profile slightly. You can also consider using a blend of lemon and lime juice for a zesty kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This grilled chicken can be marinated and cooked in advance, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply portion it with your choice of sides, like Rice Yummy, and store in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).