Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this Grilled Caribbean Chicken OAMC (Once-A-Month Cooking) recipe, a perfect blend of vibrant flavors and meal-prep convenience. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty combination of orange and lime juices, soy sauce, and olive oil, with a tantalizing medley of spices like allspice and cinnamon, plus the aromatic kick of fresh garlic and thyme. For those who crave a touch of heat, optional habanero or jalapeño peppers deliver just the right punch. This well-rounded marinade not only infuses amazing flavor but makes this recipe ideal for freezing, so you can prep ahead and enjoy fresh-off-the-grill Caribbean vibes anytime. Serve with rice, plantains, or a refreshing green salad for a meal that’s as versatile as it is unforgettable. Perfect for flavorful weeknight dinners or your next summer barbecue!
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and salt until well combined.
Stir in the chopped scallions, thyme, and the optional finely chopped habanero or jalapeño pepper if you want a spicy kick.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. If preparing for OAMC, you can freeze the chicken with the marinade in a resealable freezer bag at this stage.
When ready to cook, preheat a grill to medium-high heat. If using chicken from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade.
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, plantains, or a crisp green salad. This chicken also works great as a topping for tacos or in grain bowls.
Calories |
1718 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.9 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 4036 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.1 g | ||
| Protein | 219.5 g | 439% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 180 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 670 mg | 14% | |
*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.