Description
Jamaican jerk chicken bowl combines island spice with fresh, colorful ingredients, creating a zesty culinary adventure. Perfectly balanced layers of marinated chicken, black beans, and tangy slaw invite you to savor Caribbean-inspired comfort in one delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4–6 chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs / 680–907 grams)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2/3 cup hot sauce (such as Valentina Mexican hot sauce)
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2/3 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Liquid and Aromatics:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 3–4 limes)
- 1/4 cup oil (optional)
- 1 cup scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together hot sauce, garlic, lime juice, allspice, cinnamon, thyme, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and scallions in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade within a sealed container or plastic bag, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat around 375°F. Lightly coat cooking surface with oil to prevent sticking.
- Extract chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Grill each side for 6-8 minutes, rotating once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a caramelized crust.
- Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices, then slice into uniform strips or bite-sized cubes.
- Prepare rice and black beans, seasoning with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and scallions for additional flavor complexity.
- Assemble bowl by layering rice as foundation, then strategically arranging jerk chicken, black beans, pineapple, mango, and colorful pepper slices.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and serve alongside lime wedges for a final zesty touch. Consume immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and temperature.
Notes
- Marinating longer intensifies the bold Jamaican spices, allowing the chicken to soak up maximum flavor complexity.
- Adjust heat levels by modifying hot sauce quantity, making the dish milder or spicier according to personal preference.
- Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer, more tender meat that absorbs marinade more effectively.
- Create a gluten-free version by swapping traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos and ensuring all spices are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 46
- Calories: 109
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 173 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg