Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with Montego Bay Chicken, a vibrant and flavorful dish that's a feast for both the palate and the eyes. This recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice, infused with warm spices like allspice and a gentle kick of cayenne pepper. The addition of fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions elevates the tropical flavors, while a quick simmer transforms the reserved marinade into a luscious glaze. Perfectly seared to golden perfection, this dish comes alive when garnished with juicy pineapple slices and fresh cilantro. Pair it with coconut rice or a crisp green salad for an island-inspired dinner that will leave everyone craving more.
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, scallions, grated ginger, allspice, and cayenne pepper to create the marinade.
Pour half of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag, add the chicken breasts, and seal the bag. Reserve the other half for cooking. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
Meanwhile, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Brush the thickened marinade over the cooked chicken just before serving, or serve it on the side as a sauce.
Optional: Garnish with fresh pineapple slices and chopped cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve the Montego Bay Chicken hot with your favorite sides like coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Calories |
1740 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.2 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.7 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2842 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 88.1 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.4 g | ||
| Protein | 224.2 g | 448% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 229 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2680 mg | 57% | |
*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.