Caribbean Jerk Chicken Tacos

$Chicken and Marinade Ingredients - 2 large chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt to taste Slaw Ingredients - 1/2 cup pineapple, diced - 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Juice of 1 lime Tortilla Options - 8 small corn or flour tortillas - Optional: Sliced jalapeños for extra heat In this recipe, I use chicken breasts for a lean protein. The jerk seasoning gives it a bold flavor. You can use store-bought jerk seasoning or make your own. I often recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. The slaw is fresh and bright. It combines sweet pineapple with crunchy cabbage and onion. The lime juice adds a zesty kick that pairs well with the chicken. For the tortillas, you can choose between corn or flour. Both work well and add to the taco's texture. If you love heat, sliced jalapeños can add a nice touch. They provide an extra punch if you want it spicier. With these ingredients, you create a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor. It's a fun and easy meal for any gathering or a quick weeknight dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking two large chicken breasts. In a bowl, coat the chicken with two tablespoons of jerk seasoning. Add one tablespoon of olive oil for moisture. Use your hands to massage the spices into the chicken. This helps the flavors soak in. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to four hours in the fridge. This extra time makes the chicken taste even better. Next, preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan. Set it to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook it for about six to seven minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be fully cooked. The juices should run clear when you cut into it. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips for the tacos. Now, take a separate bowl to make the slaw. Start with half a cup of diced pineapple. Add half a cup of shredded red cabbage and a quarter cup of thinly sliced red onion. Toss in a quarter cup of chopped cilantro for freshness. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste. Mix everything well until it combines nicely. This slaw will add crunch and sweetness to your tacos. For the tortillas, you can use either corn or flour. Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be soft and pliable. This step makes them easier to fold and eat. Do not let them get too crispy; you want them to stay flexible. It’s time to build your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and lay it flat. Add a few strips of the jerk chicken in the center. Next, pile on a generous amount of your pineapple slaw. If you like it spicy, feel free to add sliced jalapeños on top. The mix of flavors will make your taste buds dance! Serve your tacos right away for the best taste. Garnish with extra cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy them fresh and watch your friends and family smile with each bite! Select jerk seasoning that fits your taste. You can use store-bought or homemade. Store-bought is easy and saves time. Homemade allows you to adjust flavors to your liking. Look for a mix with spices like allspice, thyme, and pepper. For a bolder flavor, try adding garlic or ginger. Cook chicken breasts on medium-high heat. This gives a nice sear and keeps it juicy. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that the juices run clear before serving. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the moisture inside. Slice it into thin strips for the tacos. For tasty pineapple slaw, mix diced pineapple with red cabbage, red onion, and cilantro. The sweet pineapple balances the spicy jerk chicken well. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the slaw for zest. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Toss well to combine everything. You can choose corn or flour tortillas based on preference. Corn tortillas have a nice corn flavor and texture. Flour tortillas are soft and easy to wrap. Either way, warm them briefly before adding fillings. This makes them pliable and enhances taste. Enjoy tacos right away for the best experience. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to allow the jerk seasoning to penetrate deeply. Grilling Technique: Ensure your grill is properly preheated before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the slaw to elevate the flavors and add brightness to your tacos. Personalize Your Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, include sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of your tacos for an extra kick. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for fish or tofu for a new twist. Fish like mahi-mahi or tilapia cooks fast and holds flavor well. Tofu absorbs the jerk spices nicely if you press it first. Both options make these tacos lighter yet still tasty. Feel free to change up the slaw for your tacos. Instead of pineapple, try mango or papaya for a sweet touch. You can add carrots for crunch or even some diced bell peppers. Experiment with different herbs like mint for a fresh flavor. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also try pickled onions for a zesty kick. Chopped fresh peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne can make your dish even bolder. Don’t be afraid to mix and match toppings to find your favorite combo! To store your leftover tacos, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken from the slaw and tortillas. This keeps everything fresh. The chicken can stay in the fridge for up to four days. The slaw lasts about two days. Store tortillas at room temperature, but use them within a week for the best taste. For meal prep, prepare your jerk chicken in advance. Marinate it the night before to boost flavor. You can also make the pineapple slaw early. Chop the pineapple, cabbage, and onion, then mix with cilantro and lime juice. Store the slaw in a sealed container. Keep the tortillas wrapped in plastic to maintain softness. This way, you can enjoy fresh tacos any day of the week! To reheat the chicken, use a skillet over medium heat. Cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often. For the tortillas, warm them briefly in a dry skillet. This keeps them soft and pliable. Once everything is hot, assemble your tacos and enjoy! Caribbean jerk chicken is a dish from Jamaica. It features chicken marinated in spicy jerk seasoning. This seasoning has flavors like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. The chicken is grilled or smoked, giving it a smoky taste. It is bold, spicy, and full of flavor. This dish is often served with rice and peas or in tacos. Yes, you can use store-bought jerk seasoning. It saves time and still adds great flavor. Look for a brand that uses real spices. You can find it in most grocery stores. Just make sure to check the spice level. If you want it spicier, you can add fresh peppers or extra seasoning. To make the tacos spicier, you have a few options. Add sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers. You can also mix in some hot sauce. If you like heat, use a spicier jerk seasoning. You can experiment until you find your perfect heat level. Just remember to balance the spice with sweetness, like using pineapple. Some great side dishes to serve with tacos are rice and beans or corn salad. Guacamole and tortilla chips are also tasty options. You could serve a fresh salad with lime dressing. These sides add variety and complement the flavors of the tacos. Choose what you enjoy most! In this article, I covered how to make tasty Caribbean jerk chicken tacos. We explored the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. You learned how to marinate chicken, prepare slaw, and choose tortillas. I shared variations for proteins and toppings, along with storage tips. Tacos can be simple or creative. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process and sharing delicious meals. You can have fun exploring different flavors and ideas. Dive in and make your own tacos today!$

Delicious tacos filled with marinated jerk chicken and a fresh pineapple slaw.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine Caribbean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 cup pineapple, diced
0.5 cup red cabbage, shredded
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 unit Juice of lime
8 small corn or flour tortillas
to taste unit salt
optional unit sliced jalapeños

Instructions

In a bowl, coat the chicken breasts with jerk seasoning and drizzle with olive oil. Massage the spices into the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor).
Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In a separate bowl, toss together the diced pineapple, shredded red cabbage, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
Briefly warm the tortillas on a skillet or grill for about 30 seconds on each side, until they become pliable.
On each tortilla, add a few strips of jerk chicken, followed by a generous portion of the pineapple slaw. If desired, top with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Enjoy the tacos immediately, garnishing with more cilantro or a lime wedge on the side for added flavor.

Notes

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños.

Keyword Caribbean, jerk chicken, pineapple slaw, tacos