Looking to spice up taco night? This Jerk Chicken Taco recipe is a fusion of Caribbean flavors and Mexican-inspired fun. Juicy, spicy chicken paired with a sweet, tangy pineapple salsa will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
These tacos are the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and work great for a weeknight dinner or a weekend party.
Cooking Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time (including marinating): ~1 hour
Serves:
This recipe makes 4 servings (2 tacos per person). Adjust as needed for larger groups!
Ingredients:
For the Jerk Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Optional: hot sauce, extra lime wedges
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix jerk seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice.
- Add the chicken thighs, coating them well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Salsa
- Combine pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Stir and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame.
- Add shredded cabbage, jerk chicken, pineapple salsa, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Optional: Add a drizzle of hot sauce and an extra squeeze of lime for extra zing.
Tips for the Best Tacos:
- Homemade Jerk Seasoning: If you’re feeling ambitious, blend allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, and chili powder to create your own spice mix.
- Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have a grill, cooking the chicken outdoors adds that smoky, authentic touch.
- Tortilla Warm-Up Hack: Wrap tortillas in foil and heat in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F to save time.
Why Pineapple Salsa?
The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complements the spice of the jerk chicken, while the jalapeño adds a hint of heat. It’s a tropical twist that ties everything together.
Serve these Jerk Chicken Tacos with a cold drink (a mojito, anyone?) and enjoy a mini escape to the islands right in your kitchen! Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe or added your own twist.
Happy cooking!