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Flavorful Jerk-Spiced BBQ Chicken Skewers with Tropical Salsa

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These jerk-spiced BBQ chicken skewers offer a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors paired with a fresh tropical salsa, ideal for quick and easy summer grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (e.g., Walkerswood)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup diced mango (ripe but firm)
  • 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)
  • Olive oil spray or brush for grilling

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine jerk seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Toss chicken chunks in the marinade until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. While chicken marinates, dice mango and pineapple into ½-inch pieces. Finely chop red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
  4. Mix all salsa ingredients with lime juice and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until serving.
  5. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken evenly onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  7. Lightly oil grill grates or spray skewers with olive oil. Grill skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, turning carefully to develop grill marks and avoid burning.
  8. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  10. Serve hot with tropical salsa on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor, but 30 minutes is acceptable if short on time. Use a grill pan if no outdoor grill is available, preheating well and using extra oil to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispy texture; reheat on grill or skillet instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: jerk chicken, BBQ chicken skewers, tropical salsa, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe, Caribbean spices, backyard barbecue

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/flavorful-jerk-spiced-bbq-chicken-skewers-recipe-for-easy-tropical-salsa-grill/