Jerk Chicken, Mildly Spicy

Jerk Chicken is a mildly spicy chicken breast that is marinated in Jerk Seasoning and pineapple juice then grilled.  

Jerk seasoning can range from mild to scorching hot.  My jerk seasoning is mild.  If you prefer more heat to your jerk seasoning, you can add more peppery spices to the seasoning, or, purchase a hotter jerk seasoning mix.

To make this recipe, use boneless and skinless chicken breasts that have been pounded to about 1/2-inch thick.  Then, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of pineapple juice and jerk seasoning for about 30-minutes. 

Next, grill the chicken breasts.  Place the chicken breast top side down.  The top side is the "pretty" side, the side that will be side that is placed up on the plate once the chicken breast is cooked. 

Next, let the chicken grill until the chicken is turning white about 2/3 of the way up the sides.  You will see moisture forming on the top of the chicken, too. 

Then, flip over and cook until the chicken is fully cooked.  The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165F. The chicken will feel firm when done.  Raw chicken is slightly rubbery and a bit jiggly.

I like to grill this chicken because grill marks on a protein are visually appealing.   If you prefer, you can saute or bake the chicken.

Jerk cooking is associated with Jamaica and is traditionally a protein, like chicken, slow cooked over a fire.  The fire is usually burning coals with wood stacked on top of the coals.  The chicken is rubbed with a spice blend then positioned over the wood to grill.  This will give the chicken a smoky flavor.  It is a mouthwatering way to cook proteins.  

I don't have a set up where I can do jerk cooking in the traditional way, so I just use my grill pan.  We are happy with the results.  If have a set up where you can do jerk cooking in the traditional way, I recommend doing so.

I hope you enjoy the Jerk Chicken.