Jerk Chicken Tacos
If you want something bold, spicy, and tasty, try these Jerk Chicken Tacos. They're just what you need! This simple, tasty recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Sear them in a skillet until perfect. Then, top the chicken with a fresh, zesty Jamaican salad made from cabbage and carrots. It’s a lively mix of Jamaican spice and Mexican street food. This blend will shine on Taco Tuesday or during a weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need For the Jerk Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless , skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (your favorite blend)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp adobo
- 1 tsp badia complete seasoning
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Salad:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ red onion , thinly sliced
- 2 scallions , chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ scotch bonnet pepper , minced, (optional)
For the Tacos:
- 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges , cilantro, avocado (optional toppings)
Instructions
How to Make Jerk Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Combine jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, allspice, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
Step 2: Sear in a Skillet
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet on medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave with a damp paper towel until soft and pliable.
How to Make Jamaican Cabbage and Carrot Salad
- Combine cabbage, carrots, red onion, and scallion in a large bowl.
- Whisk vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Toss the dressing into the slaw. Let sit 10+ minutes to develop flavor.
- Optional heat alert: Add minced scotch bonnet if you want that island fire.
Assembly Tips: Build the Perfect Taco
- Layer your tacos like this:
- Warm tortilla
- Sliced jerk chicken
- A pile of cabbage & carrot salad
- Squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro or avocado on top
- Optional: Add mango salsa or pickled red onions for extra layers of flavor!
Nutrition
Serving: 3gCalories: 1891kcalCarbohydrates: 138gProtein: 172gFat: 74gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 36gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 408mgSodium: 848mgPotassium: 4163mgFiber: 28gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 26577IUVitamin C: 84mgCalcium: 413mgIron: 13mg
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