Heart-Healthy Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Experience the vibrant, fiery flavors of the Caribbean with this Heart-Healthy Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe, a wholesome twist on a beloved classic. Made with skinless chicken thighs and marinated in a tantalizing blend of scallions, fresh ginger, zesty lime juice, and aromatic spices like allspice, thyme, and nutmeg, this dish bursts with bold taste while keeping your heart health in mind. A touch of Scotch bonnet pepper adds a signature kick of heat, perfectly balanced by low-sodium soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for a tangy, savory depth. Grilled to juicy perfection, this jerk chicken is not only high in protein but also lower in unhealthy fats, thanks to the skinless cut and olive oil base. Serve it with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad for a nutritious and satisfying meal that transports you straight to the tropics. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a flavorful weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make dish is your ticket to a healthy and authentic Jamaican culinary experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Skinless chicken thighs
• 4 stalks Scallions
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon, minced Ginger
• 1 tablespoon Allspice berries
• 2 teaspoons Thyme leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing the chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine the scallions, garlic cloves, minced ginger, allspice berries, thyme leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Step 3

Add olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice to the blender. Add in the scotch bonnet pepper, ensuring to handle with care as it is very hot.

Step 4

Blend the mix until it forms a smooth marinade paste.

Step 5

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a ziplock bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 6

Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate.

Step 7

Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Step 8

Once preheated, place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Step 9

Grill the chicken for about 20-25 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.

Step 10

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(564.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	911.8

Total Fat 57.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 333.8mg	0%
Sodium 2467.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 21.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g	0%
Total Sugars 3.5g
Protein 81.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 142.6mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 1236.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 35.2%

Carbs: 9.4%