Grilled Jamaican Chicken
Juicy grilled Jamaican chicken breasts are infused with spicy jalapeno, citrus, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a flavorful and zesty outdoor meal enjoyed with friends.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz.) skinned and boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sweet vermouth ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried whole oregano ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray
- 3 Tbsp. lime juice
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a dish.
- Combine lime juice, lemon juice, sweet vermouth, Dijon mustard, jalapeno pepper, garlic, coriander, cumin, thyme, oregano, and salt.
- Pour marinade over chicken. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 8 hours, turning twice.
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- Bring marinade to a boil in a small saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Set aside the cooked marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, include more jalapeno or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the jalapeno with a sweet bell pepper. Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 8 hours, as this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. This dish can also be grilled or baked, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled Jamaican chicken with a side of coconut rice or a fresh mango salsa for a tropical twist. It pairs beautifully with Thai Chicken (Spicy!) for a flavorful meal. You can also accompany it with grilled vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the flavors and add freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as it may dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Jamaican Chicken contains roughly 562 calories, with 24g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (268% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 75g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the skin will add extra fat and calories. If you prefer a healthier option, stick to skinless breasts as the marinade will still impart great flavor.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don't have Dijon mustard on hand, you can use yellow mustard or a mixture of equal parts honey and mustard for a sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that the taste might slightly change, but it will still complement the other ingredients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just grill it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining, as it allows for more time with your guests.
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).