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- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 teaspoons ground allspice - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - Sea salt, to taste The chicken breast serves as the main protein in this dish. Its mild taste pairs well with the bold jerk flavors. The jerk marinade is a mix of spices and condiments. This marinade gives the chicken its signature kick. Each ingredient plays a role in making the dish vibrant and tasty. - 1 large bell pepper (yellow or red), cut into 1-inch chunks - 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks - 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish Adding bell peppers and red onions brings color and crunch. You can also add fruits like pineapple for a sweet touch. Use fresh herbs for extra flavor on top of the skewers. - Grill - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Marinade bowl A good grill helps achieve those perfect char marks. Make sure to soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. A large bowl is needed for mixing and marinating the chicken. These tools are essential for creating a delicious meal. You can find the full recipe here to guide you through each step of making these flavorful Caribbean jerk chicken skewers! To start, mix the marinade ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 teaspoons ground allspice - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon black pepper - A pinch of sea salt This mix is your jerk marinade. It’s bold and full of flavor. Next, add the chicken cubes. Make sure each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For more flavor, marinate it overnight. Now, let’s put the skewers together. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning. Start by threading the marinated chicken onto the skewer. Then, add bell pepper chunks and red onion pieces. Alternate these ingredients until the skewer is full. This adds color and flavor to each bite. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them often for even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices settle. Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours. I often recommend marinating overnight for deeper taste. If you like it spicy, increase the cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, cut back on it. You can also add more ginger for a fresh kick. To keep your skewers from sticking, oil the grill grates before cooking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil to do this. For great grill marks, cook the skewers at medium-high heat. Rotate them every few minutes to get even char marks. These skewers pair well with rice, grilled corn, or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, serve them with tropical fruit salsa. Place the cooked skewers on a bright platter with fresh greens. Add lime wedges for a zesty touch. For a pop of color, sprinkle some sliced green onions on top. You can find the Full Recipe [here](#). {{image_4}} You can easily switch out chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works great because it cooks fast. Simply marinate the shrimp in the same jerk mix. Tofu is another option for a plant-based twist. Use firm tofu and press it to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and let it soak in the marinade. Both shrimp and tofu absorb the flavors well. You can add more excitement to your skewers by using different fruits or spices. Pineapple and mango add a sweet touch. These fruits caramelize nicely on the grill, enhancing the dish. Try adding lime juice for extra zing or fresh herbs like cilantro for a fresh taste. If you like more heat, try adding more cayenne or even a splash of hot sauce. You can cook your jerk skewers in different ways. Grilling is the classic method and adds a nice smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Turn the skewers often for even cooking. You can also bake them in the oven. This method is easier, especially if you don't have a grill. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. Both methods work well, so pick your favorite! For more tips, check out the Full Recipe. To store your cooked skewers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or foil for best results. For marinated chicken, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. If you want to freeze ungrilled skewers, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, transfer them to the fridge overnight. For reheating, grill them on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. You can find the full recipe for these delicious skewers in the article. Caribbean jerk seasoning is a spice mix that packs a punch. It often includes: - Allspice - Thyme - Garlic - Ginger - Cayenne pepper - Black pepper These spices create a bold flavor. The mix varies by region and chef. Some add brown sugar or citrus for sweetness. The result is a sweet, spicy, and smoky taste. This seasoning makes jerk chicken a favorite dish. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Avoid touching the bone for an accurate reading. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear. There should be no pink meat visible. Yes, you can prepare the skewers ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. - Assemble the skewers and cover them well. - Store them in the fridge until ready to grill. This saves time on busy days. Plus, the flavors develop more with time. Just don’t freeze them after they are assembled. Cook them fresh for the best taste. For the full recipe, visit the provided link. You now know how to make flavorful Caribbean jerk chicken skewers. We covered key ingredients, from chicken to jerk marinade. I shared tips for marinating and grilling to get great results. Remember, you can customize the skewers using different proteins and fruits. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers later. With this guide, you can impress friends and family at your next gathering. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty flavors of the Caribbean!

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers

Savor the tropical flavors with these delicious Tropical Jerk Chicken Skewers! Perfect for your next barbecue, this recipe combines juicy chicken marinated in a zesty jerk blend featuring garlic, ginger, and spices. Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, these skewers are loaded with colorful veggies and bring the taste of the tropics to your grill. Click through for full instructions and tips to impress your guests with this flavorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 large bell pepper (yellow or red), cut into 1-inch chunks

1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

Sea salt, to taste

Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground allspice, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. This blend will serve as your flavorful jerk marinade.

    Carefully add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; for enhanced flavor, marinate overnight.

      When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F or 200°C).

        Begin assembling the skewers: alternate threading the marinated chicken, bell pepper chunks, and red onion pieces onto the soaked skewers until all ingredients are used, filling them evenly.

          Position the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute.

              Before serving, sprinkle the skewers with the sliced green onions for an added burst of color and freshness.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marination) | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cooked skewers on a large platter lined with fresh greens or tropical leaves for an appealing presentation. Serve with lime wedges on the side to enhance the tropical flavor.