High-Elevation Tropical Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-04 · Updated 2026-05-04

Spiced chicken skewers marinated in a fiery jerk sauce and grilled to smoky perfection, capturing the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. This caribbean-inspired high protein ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, green onions, jalapeño pepper 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, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4, chopped green onions
• 1, seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 4 chopped green onions, 1 seeded chopped jalapeño, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tbsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Step 2: Place 1 lb 1-inch cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs into a large bowl and pour the jerk marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat fully, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Step 3: Preheat grill to high heat (about 450°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has a smoky charred exterior.
5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside rice and peas or fresh tropical salsa.