Tropical Smoothie Caribbean Jerk Chicken Calories, Recipe & Nutrition
$8.99 / 700 Cal
If you’re craving bold, tropical flavors, the Tropical Smoothie Caribbean Jerk Chicken is exactly what you need. You’ll love the way the zesty Caribbean spices, tangy citrus, and hint of sweetness come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or alongside your favorite smoothie, this dish lets you bring a taste of the Caribbean right to your own kitchen.
Homemade Sauce for Tropical Smoothie Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Take your Caribbean Jerk Chicken to the next level with a homemade sauce that’s bursting with flavor. You can easily whip up a sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, making every bite even more irresistible. Whether you drizzle it over your chicken, use it as a dip, or even mix it into rice, this sauce lets you bring the authentic taste of the Caribbean straight into your kitchen.
How to Customize Your Caribbean Jerk Chicken
You can make your Caribbean Jerk Chicken truly your own by tweaking flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods:
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less jerk seasoning, scotch bonnet peppers, or chili powder depending on how mild or spicy you like it.
- Swap vegetables: Mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or carrots to add color and nutrition.
- Add tropical fruits: Incorporate pineapple, mango, or papaya for a sweet, tangy twist that complements the spicy chicken.
- Change the cooking method: Grill, bake, or pan-sear to match your preferred texture and flavor.
- Experiment with marinades: Try adding citrus juice, coconut milk, or honey to your marinade for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve creatively: Pair with rice, quinoa, salad, or even a flatbread wrap to make the dish uniquely yours.
- Tweak garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions can add a final burst of flavor and color.
Tropical Smoothie Caribbean Jerk Chicken Calories & Nutrition Facts
Want to know what goes into your Caribbean Jerk Chicken? Here’s a clear breakdown of its nutrition so you can see exactly what you’re eating:
| Nutrient | Amount | Description |
| Calories | 700 kcal | Total energy you’ll get from this dish. |
| Total Fat | 20 g | Overall fat content, including healthy and less healthy fats. |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g | Portion of fat that can affect heart health if eaten in excess. |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | Unhealthy fat, usually from processed foods (none here). |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | Mostly comes from the chicken; important to monitor if needed. |
| Sodium | 1820 mg | Salt content; adds flavor but watch if you’re limiting sodium. |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91 g | Includes all starches, fibers, and sugars in the meal. |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g | Helps digestion and keeps you feeling full. |
| Total Sugars | 18 g | Both natural and added sugars in the dish. |
| Protein | 38 g | Supports muscle building, repair, and overall body function. |
Ingredients Needed for Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Getting ready to make your Caribbean Jerk Chicken? Here’s everything you’ll need, with quantities, to bring those bold, tropical flavors to life:
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Jerk Seasoning: 2 tablespoons (or more if you like it spicy)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper: 1, minced (adjust to your heat preference)
- Citrus Juice: 2 tablespoons lime juice or orange juice
- Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: 2 tablespoons
- Brown Sugar or Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, green onions, or pineapple chunks, as desired
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Ready to make your Caribbean Jerk Chicken? Follow these simple steps to get juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfect Caribbean kick:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 finely chopped onion, 1 minced Scotch Bonnet or Habanero pepper, 2 tablespoons lime or orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey. Mix well.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Pan or Grill: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, or preheat your grill to medium-high.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet or grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely browned.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
- Serve and Garnish: Slice the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides like rice, quinoa, or salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or pineapple chunks for an extra tropical touch.
Allergen Information
Before you dig in, it’s important to know the allergen information for your Caribbean Jerk Chicken so you can enjoy it safely:
- Soy: Present if you use soy sauce; substitute with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- Gluten: May be present if using regular soy sauce; use gluten-free soy sauce to avoid.
- Spices/Peppers: Scotch bonnet or Habanero peppers may cause sensitivity for some people.
- Optional Ingredients: Ingredients like honey, brown sugar, or garnishes generally don’t contain common allergens, but check labels if needed.
- Cross-Contamination: If you’re preparing for someone with severe allergies, ensure all utensils, bowls, and cutting boards are clean.
FAQs
What is Caribbean Jerk Chicken?
Caribbean Jerk Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring chicken marinated in a blend of spices, herbs, and peppers, giving it a spicy, sweet, and smoky tropical taste.
How do I make Caribbean Jerk Chicken spicy but not too hot?
You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Scotch Bonnet or Habanero pepper in the marinade. Removing seeds also reduces spiciness.
Can I make Caribbean Jerk Chicken in the oven or on the grill?
Yes! You can pan-sear, bake, or grill your chicken. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor, while baking keeps it juicy and tender.
What sides go best with Caribbean Jerk Chicken?
Serve your chicken with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or tropical fruits like pineapple and mango to complement the bold flavors.
Can I make Caribbean Jerk Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, and cook it when you’re ready. You can also store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is Caribbean Jerk Chicken healthy?
It’s high in protein and packed with flavor. You can make it healthier by using lean chicken cuts, controlling oil, and pairing it with vegetables or whole grains.