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Grilled Jerk Chicken Kebabs with Pineapple and Bell Peppers Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

Flavorful and vibrant Grilled Jerk Chicken Kebabs featuring marinated boneless chicken thighs, sweet pineapple, and colorful mini bell peppers, served with a zesty homemade jerk marinade and optional coconut rice.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 5 green onions, trimmed, roughly chopped
  • ¼ of a red onion, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3¼ cups red onion, cut into 2-inch pieces (remaining after ¼ used in marinade)
  • 1 pineapple, cored and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 pound mini bell peppers, whole

Optional

  • Coconut rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a blender, combine the cilantro, green onions, ¼ of the red onion, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, paprika, allspice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Transfer the marinade to a large bowl or plastic zip-top bag.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  4. Assemble the kebabs: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Thread the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, mini bell peppers, and the remaining red onion pieces alternately onto 8 metal skewers, distributing ingredients evenly.
  5. Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Rotate them frequently to ensure even cooking. Grill until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve them hot, either still on the skewers or plated. Accompany with coconut rice if desired for a complete meal.

Notes

  • If using bamboo skewers instead of metal skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Marinating for longer (up to 4 hours) will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked through to 165°F.
  • You can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
  • For a spicier kick, add chopped fresh scotch bonnet peppers to the marinade.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Caribbean