Fire up your grill and take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with this Caribbean Grilled Chicken recipe! Bursting with vibrant, island-inspired flavors, the marinade combines zesty lime juice, earthy ground allspice, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, balanced by aromatic ginger, garlic, and fresh thyme. For those craving heat, a hint of Scotch bonnet pepper adds an adventurous kick. The chicken is marinated to perfection, then grilled to juicy tenderness, creating a smoky char that complements the bold, spiced flavors. It's quick to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time, and pairs beautifully with coconut rice, a tropical salad, or grilled veggies for an irresistible meal that screams summer any time of year. Perfect for family dinners or backyard BBQs, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped scallions, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. If desired, include the finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper for added heat.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Turn the chicken only once during cooking to ensure even grilling and to achieve beautiful grill marks.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Serve the Caribbean Grilled Chicken with your favorite sides, such as coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh tropical salad. Enjoy!
Calories |
1636 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.1 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 4041 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.9 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.5 g | ||
| Protein | 220.6 g | 441% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 174 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 2148 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.