Juicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers with Spicy Mango Salsa

Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of the Caribbean with these Juicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Skewers accompanied by a refreshingly spicy mango salsa. This dish marries the aromatic spices of Jamaica with succulent grilled chicken, offering a tropical escape right on your plate. Perfect for summertime grilling or bringing a taste of the islands to your dinner table any time of year.

Ingredients

# For the Jerk Chicken Skewers:
– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon ground allspice
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– Juice of 2 limes
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

# For the Spicy Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced
– 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
– 1 small red onion, finely diced
– 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to taste for heat)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

# For the Jerk Chicken Skewers:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, garlic, onion, ginger, and lime juice.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
6. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

# For the Spicy Mango Salsa:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle with the lime juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
4. Let the salsa sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

To Serve:
Arrange the jerk chicken skewers on a serving platter and garnish with additional lime wedges and cilantro, if desired. Serve alongside the spicy mango salsa for a delicious and colorful meal that brings the essence of the Caribbean to your table. Soak up the sunshine and savor each bite!