Are you craving a vibrant, flavourful meal that transports you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean? Then look no further! This McCormick Caribbean Jerk Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. Packed with bold spices and juicy chicken, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick and healthy meal. Forget takeout – this homemade recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers authentic Caribbean flavours right to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (or use breasts)
- 2 tbsp McCormick Caribbean Jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Cooked rice or your favorite side dish, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the McCormick Caribbean Jerk seasoning and olive oil. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the chicken, creating a more intense flavour.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and bell peppers and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, until it's cooked through and nicely browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches for even browning.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve the delicious jerk chicken hot over a bed of rice, or your preferred side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Jerk Chicken:
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor: Marinating the chicken overnight will result in a more intense flavor profile.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to the skillet.
Delicious Variations:
- Pineapple Jerk Chicken: Add ½ cup of diced pineapple to the skillet along with the tomatoes for a sweet and savory twist.
- Coconut Jerk Chicken: Stir in ½ cup of coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy, tropical touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
This McCormick Caribbean Jerk Chicken recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are quick dinner ideas perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this burst of Caribbean flavor – it's a delicious dish you'll want to make again and again! Share your culinary creations and tag us – we'd love to see your fantastic homemade cooking results!