Spicy Jerk Chicken Mango Slaw (Print View)
Fiery jerk chicken paired with a crisp, sweet mango slaw for a vibrant Caribbean-style meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken & Jerk Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
02 - 2 tablespoons ground allspice berries
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 (gluten-free if needed)
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
# How to Make:
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 the 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 - Combine the mango, cabbage, carrot, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, honey, and olive oil in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper, then pour over the slaw. Toss well and set aside.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side until charred at the edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest for 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 Advice:
01 -
- The jerk marinade hits every flavor note at once, sweet, warm, herbal, and fiercely hot, in a way that makes you close your eyes while eating.
- The mango slaw cuts through the fire with a cool, bright crunch that turns the whole plate into a complete experience.
02 -
- Scotch bonnet peppers can burn your skin just from handling, so wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
- The longer this marinade sits, the more the allspice and thyme soften into something complex rather than harsh.
03 -
- Do not move the chicken around on the grill, let it sit undisturbed so the char can actually form.
- Make the slaw first and let it hang out in the fridge while the chicken marinates, the flavors meld and the cabbage softens just enough.