Citrus-Marinated Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers infused with a spicy-sweet Caribbean jerk marinade balanced by bright citrus notes, perfect for grilling or oven roasting. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs chicken breasts, orange juice, lime juice 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve and the marinade is well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs of chicken breast cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nicely charred exterior.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Caribbean 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 Citrus-Marinated Caribbean 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Caribbean 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 Citrus-Marinated Caribbean 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 Citrus-Marinated Caribbean 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.

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