Spicy Jerk Chicken Mango Slaw (Printable Version)
Fiery jerk chicken paired with crisp, sweet mango slaw for a vibrant Caribbean summer meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Jerk Marinade
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons ground allspice
03 - 1 tablespoon dried thyme
04 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
05 - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 3 spring onions, roughly chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated
09 - 2 Scotch bonnet chilies, seeded and chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
11 - Juice of 1 lime
12 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
13 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
14 - 1 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Mango Slaw
16 - 1 large ripe mango, peeled and julienned
17 - 2 cups shredded red cabbage
18 - 1 carrot, grated
19 - 1/2 small red onion, finely sliced
20 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
22 - 1 tablespoon honey
23 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
24 - Salt and pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - Combine ground allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, spring onions, garlic, ginger, chilies, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
02 - Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Toss mango, cabbage, carrot, red onion, and cilantro together in a large bowl. Whisk lime juice, honey, and olive oil in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper, then drizzle over the slaw and mix thoroughly. Set aside.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill 5 to 6 minutes per side until charred at the edges and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
05 - Slice the rested chicken and arrange over the mango slaw. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marinade does all the heavy lifting so you look like you spent all day on it when really you barely did
- That mango slaw cuts through the heat in a way that makes you keep going back for another bite even when your forehead is sweating
02 -
- Scotch bonnets will burn your skin if you touch your face after handling them so seriously wear gloves
- Overnight marinating transforms this from good to unforgettable so plan ahead if you can
03 -
- If it is raining or you have no grill bake the chicken at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes and finish under the broiler for that charred edge
- Toast the allspice berries in a dry pan before grinding them and the aroma alone will convince you never to buy preground again