Pan-Seared Chicken with Jamerican Jerk Glaze
Coated with a vibrant, spicy Jamerican jerk glaze, pan-seared to perfection for a flavorful and aromatic main dish. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, Jamaican jerk seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 stalks, sliced scallions
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, pressing the spices into the meat.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme until smooth and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken breasts and brush generously with the jerk glaze mixture. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze thickens, coating the chicken.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 sliced scallions, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Jamerican Jerk Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Jamerican Jerk Glaze?
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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Jamerican Jerk Glaze?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Jamerican Jerk Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Jamerican Jerk Glaze?
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.
