Black Rum-Spiked Jerk Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a bold black rum jerk sauce with fiery spices and smoky undertones. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs black rum, jerk seasoning, lime juice, freshly squeezed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup black rum
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup black rum, 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 minced scotch bonnet pepper (optional), and 1 tsp salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, toss thoroughly to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is charred at edges and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill, let rest for 3 minutes, then serve with lime wedges and your choice of side dishes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Rum-Spiked Jerk Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Black Rum-Spiked Jerk Chicken Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Rum-Spiked Jerk Chicken Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Black Rum-Spiked Jerk Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Black Rum-Spiked Jerk Chicken Skewers?
Caribbean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
