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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning - 1 mango, diced - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 avocado, sliced The main ingredients form the heart of our tacos. Chicken thighs give a rich, juicy flavor. Jamaican jerk seasoning adds a spicy kick. Fresh produce like mango, red onion, and red bell pepper adds crunch and sweetness. Finally, corn tortillas hold everything together. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Seasoning and marinade make the chicken shine. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist while grilling. Garlic and onion powders give great depth. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Mix these with the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for tasty results. - Fresh cilantro - Lime wedges Garnishes are not just for looks; they boost flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a bright note that contrasts with the spice. Lime wedges provide a zesty punch when squeezed over the tacos. Together, they elevate each bite, making your tacos a feast for the senses. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to combine the chicken with the marinade. In a bowl, mix 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the chicken well until every piece is coated. For best results, marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can also let it sit for up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor it will absorb. Try to plan ahead for deeper taste. Next, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step is key for getting those beautiful grill marks. Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer helps you check for doneness. Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting time helps keep the juices inside. Now, it’s time to warm your corn tortillas. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. To build your tacos, layer slices of jerk chicken on each tortilla. Add diced mango, thinly sliced red onion, and red bell pepper on top. Finish off with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Don't forget lime wedges on the side! They add a delightful zing to every bite. Choose a good jerk seasoning for your chicken. You want the seasoning to be bold and flavorful. Look for blends with spices like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. If you have allergies, you can make your own mix. Use herbs, spices, and citrus juices. This way, you stay safe while enjoying great taste. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can let it sit for up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the better the taste. Just remember to cover it! To get those perfect grill marks, preheat your grill well. Make sure it is hot before placing the chicken. This helps create those beautiful lines. Place the chicken on the grill and do not move it for the first few minutes. Flip it only when it is ready to release. Using a meat thermometer is key. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This way, you know it is safe to eat. If you do not have one, press the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear, it’s done. Pair your tacos with fresh sides. A light salad or rice works great. The bright flavors of these dishes balance well with the spicy chicken. You can also add grilled corn for a sweet touch. For drinks, try a refreshing beverage. Limeade or a light beer complements the spices. If you want something non-alcoholic, coconut water is a great option. It’s hydrating and tasty! Enjoy your meal with friends and family for a festive feast. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to fully absorb the jerk seasoning's bold flavors. Perfect Grill Marks: Ensure your grill is preheated before adding the chicken to achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevent sticking. Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming the tortillas in a dry skillet enhances their flavor and texture, making them more pliable for easy folding. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use ripe, fresh mango and avocado for the best flavor and creaminess in your tacos, elevating the overall dish. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken thighs for tofu or shrimp. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm types. Press the tofu to remove extra water, then marinate just like the chicken. Grill it until golden. For shrimp, choose large, peeled shrimp. Toss them with jerk seasoning and grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. Both options offer a tasty twist. Jackfruit is a fantastic substitute for meat in these tacos. It has a similar texture. Use young green jackfruit packed in water or brine. Drain and rinse it, then sauté with the jerk seasoning. You can also consider using other plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas. These add protein while keeping the dish flavorful. Adding spices or salsas can elevate your tacos. Try mixing in some cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth. Fresh mango salsa adds sweetness and heat. Just combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice. This brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing kick. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors! To store leftover Jamaican jerk chicken tacos, first, let them cool down. Place the chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and prevents sogginess. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. Just remember to label the containers. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options. For the best taste, reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm. If you’re in a hurry, use a microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep it juicy and tasty. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds before serving. Your Jamaican jerk chicken should stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you freeze the chicken, it can last up to three months. After that, the quality may drop. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you're unsure, it's better to throw it away. Jerk seasoning is a blend of spices from Jamaica. It is famous for its bold flavors. The key ingredients include: - Allspice - Scotch bonnet peppers - Thyme - Garlic - Ginger - Nutmeg This mix gives jerk chicken its spicy and smoky taste. You can find it in stores or make your own at home. Yes, you can make these tacos ahead of time. This helps save time for busy days. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken a day before. - Grill the chicken and slice it. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can warm the chicken and tortillas when ready to eat. Jamaican jerk chicken tacos go well with several sides and drinks. Here are some tasty ideas: - Rice and peas - Grilled corn - Plantains - Tropical fruit salad For drinks, try a cold ginger beer or a fruity rum punch. You can adjust the spice level in your tacos easily. Here’s how: - For milder tacos, use less jerk seasoning. - You can also add honey or sugar to tone down heat. - For spicier tacos, add sliced Scotch bonnet peppers or extra seasoning. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tacos. We covered ingredients, marinating, grilling, and serving. You can customize these tacos with different proteins and enhance flavors with various spices. Remember to store leftovers correctly and reheat to enjoy them again. I hope you try these tacos. They promise a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with spicy jerk chicken, fresh mango, and avocado.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 whole mango, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • to taste fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • to taste lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  • In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable.
  • To assemble the tacos, layer slices of jerk chicken on each tortilla. Top with diced mango, sliced red onion, and bell pepper.
  • Finish with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for deeper flavor.
Keyword avocado, jerk chicken, mango, spicy, tacos