Spiced Jerk Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema and Pickled Red Onion

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft tortillas filled with jerk-seasoned grilled chicken, topped with tangy lime crema and vibrant pickled red onions for a Caribbean taco twist. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons jerk seasoning blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 360 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Order on Instacart →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add thinly sliced 1 small red onion and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to pickle.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning blend until well coated.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until charred edges appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to make lime crema.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing sliced jerk chicken on each tortilla, topping with pickled red onions and a dollop of lime crema. Serve immediately for vibrant flavor contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Jerk Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema and Pickled Red Onion take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Spiced Jerk Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema and Pickled Red Onion?

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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Jerk Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema and Pickled Red Onion?

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 Spiced Jerk Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema and Pickled Red Onion 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 Spiced Jerk Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema and Pickled Red Onion?

Caribbean caribbean 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →