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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges - 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks - Sea salt and black pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) The chicken thighs give a juicy bite. Jerk seasoning brings that famous spicy kick. You can buy it or make it for even more flavor. Olive oil adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick. Fresh lime juice brightens everything. The bell pepper and onion add crunch and sweetness. Pineapple gives a sweet contrast that balances the spice. Don't forget the salt and pepper to enhance all these flavors. - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Extra lime wedges for serving - Hot sauce for extra heat Adding fresh cilantro brightens up the dish. Extra lime wedges provide a zesty touch. If you like heat, serve with hot sauce on the side. - Large mixing bowl - Whisk or fork for mixing - Grill (charcoal or gas) - Meat thermometer - Tongs for flipping skewers - Platter for serving Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A large bowl helps mix the marinade well. A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked safely. Tongs help you flip the skewers without burning your hands. Finally, a nice platter makes your food look great when serving. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions! To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine jerk seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice. Whisk these together until smooth. The mixture should smell amazing. This is your marinade. It brings the bold flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. Next, add chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the chicken well. Make sure every piece is coated. This step is crucial for flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour. For even better taste, let it sit overnight. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This prevents burning. Now, take the marinated chicken from the fridge. Thread the chicken, bell pepper, onion, and pineapple onto each skewer. Leave a small gap between each piece for even cooking. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally. The chicken should reach 165°F and have nice grill marks. After grilling, take them off and let them rest for a few minutes. Finally, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper before serving. Enjoy your flavorful grilled delight! For the full recipe, check below. To get the best flavor from your Caribbean jerk chicken skewers, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lime juice adds a bright taste. Choose a high-quality jerk seasoning for an authentic kick. You can make your own seasoning too! Mix spices like allspice, thyme, and cayenne for depth. Marinate the chicken for a longer time if you can. An overnight soak gives the chicken a deep, rich flavor. Cooking time is key for juicy chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them often to cook evenly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat and super juicy. Serve your skewers on a bright platter. Add fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color. Pair them with coconut rice for a tropical twist. A simple green salad also works well. This adds a fresh crunch and balances the spicy chicken. Enjoy your meal with friends and family for a true Caribbean feast. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try pork, beef, or shrimp. Each brings a unique taste. For pork, use boneless shoulder for juiciness. For beef, choose tender cuts like sirloin. Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Adjust cooking times to ensure everything is cooked through. You don’t need meat to enjoy skewers. Use tofu or tempeh as great substitutes. Press and marinate these options just like chicken. You can also use hearty veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. For a burst of flavor, add fruits like mango or peach. They caramelize nicely on the grill. While jerk is classic, exploring other marinades can be fun. Try a honey-soy marinade for a sweet and salty twist. A citrus-herb marinade with lemon and basil gives a fresh taste. For spice lovers, a sriracha-lime mix adds heat. Each marinade brings its own flair, making skewers exciting every time. For the best flavor, let your choice marinate for at least an hour. For more details on the jerk marinade, check the Full Recipe. To store leftover Caribbean jerk chicken skewers, first let them cool. Place the skewers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are tightly sealed. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. The best way is to use a grill or a skillet. Heat them on medium until they are warm throughout. This usually takes about five to seven minutes. Avoid using high heat, as it can dry out the chicken. You want to keep that juicy flavor! If you want to save skewers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a taste of the Caribbean anytime! To make homemade jerk seasoning, you need basic spices. Here’s a simple mix: - 1 tablespoon allspice - 1 tablespoon thyme - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, chopped - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 tablespoon soy sauce Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Blend until smooth. This mix adds a spicy and sweet kick to your dishes. Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers taste great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Coconut rice: Creamy and sweet, it complements the spice. - Grilled corn on the cob: Sweet and smoky, perfect for summer. - Mango salsa: Fresh and fruity, it adds a cool touch. - Simple green salad: Crisp and refreshing, balances the heat. These sides enhance the meal and bring out the flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can use other meats for jerk skewers. Here are some great options: - Pork: Tender and juicy, it soaks up the flavors well. - Shrimp: Quick to cook and offers a different taste. - Tofu: A great choice for a vegetarian option. - Beef: Rich and hearty, it pairs nicely with the spices. Feel free to experiment with different meats. Each option brings its own unique taste to the skewers. For the full recipe, you can check the detailed steps in the provided link. Caribbean jerk chicken skewers bring bold flavor to your table. This blog covered the main and optional ingredients needed for the perfect dish. You learned how to marinate and grill your skewers. I shared tips on cooking time and serving suggestions. Don’t forget the variations for proteins and marinades, plus storage and reheating tips. Now, you’re ready to enjoy or share these delights. Dive in and savor the taste of the Caribbean!

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers

Spice up your BBQ with delectable Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers! This easy recipe features juicy chicken marinated in savory jerk seasoning, paired with colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and onions for a burst of flavor. Perfect for grill lovers, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (either store-bought or homemade for deeper flavor)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow for sweetness), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 medium red onion, cut into wedges

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (can be fresh or canned, drained)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Skewers (wooden or metal; if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice. Whisk together until all ingredients are thoroughly blended, creating a fragrant marinade.

    Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands or a spatula, toss the chicken until every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour. For optimum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

      Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If you're using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.

        Assemble the Skewers: Take the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. On each skewer, alternately thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, onion wedges, and pineapple chunks. To promote even cooking, leave a small gap between each ingredient.

          Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and displays beautiful grill marks.

            Serve: Once done, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the skewers on a vibrant platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro and wedges of lime for an attractive finish. To elevate the experience, serve alongside fragrant coconut rice or a refreshing simple green salad, creating a delightful and colorful meal.