Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

While the original Greek Souvlaki uses Mediterranean herbs and flavors, this Caribbean adaptation replaces them with the bold and spicy flavors of the Caribbean cuisine. The marinade for the chicken skewers is infused with jerk seasoning, which includes ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and cinnamon. This gives the dish a unique Caribbean twist and a fiery kick. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between ingredients.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers hot with a side of rice and beans or a fresh tropical salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Jerk seasoning — Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning according to your spice preference. Increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste.
• Scotch bonnet peppers — Be cautious when handling scotch bonnet peppers as they are very spicy. Use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, grill the skewers over charcoal instead of a gas grill.
• If you can't find jerk seasoning, you can make your own by combining spices like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Serve the skewers with a refreshing pineapple salsa or a cooling yogurt dip to balance the heat of the jerk seasoning.
• If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• For a complete Caribbean experience, serve the skewers with a side of plantains or coconut rice.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers as a main course dish, accompanied by a side of rice and beans or a fresh tropical salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, placing them diagonally for an appealing visual presentation. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the skewers for a pop of color. Serve with a vibrant side dish and garnish with lime wedges for an inviting tropical touch.