A plate with a bed of quinoa topped with juicy chicken pieces coated in a spicy jerk seasoning and a side of caramelized plantains.

Jerk Chicken with Sautéed Plantains and Quinoa

Name: Jerk Chicken with Sautéed Plantains and Quinoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 pounded to an even thickness; jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp; large, ripe plantains, 2 peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds; coconut oil, 2 tbsp; uncooked quinoa, 1/2 cup; chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup; salt, 1/2 tsp; black pepper, 1/4 tsp; olive oil, 1 tbsp; fresh cilantro, chopped, to garnish

Category Main Course

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style Caribbean

Technique Grilling

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: June 22, 2023

When I think of the Caribbean, I think of jerk seasoning and plantains. This main course recipe for Caribbean-style jerk chicken with sautéed plantains is a spicy, flavorful dish that will transport you to a tropical island. Instead of traditional white rice, this recipe features quinoa as a healthier, seasonal alternative.

Ingredients (for 2)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 - pounded to an even thickness
Jerk seasoning - 2 tbsp
Large, ripe plantains - 2 - peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Coconut oil - 2 tbsp
Uncooked quinoa - 1/2 cup
Chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Fresh cilantro - - chopped, to garnish

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🍴🌡️

Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat
Step 2 - 🍗💆‍♂️💤

Rub chicken breasts with jerk seasoning and let rest while you prepare the remaining ingredients
Step 3 - 🍌🍳🔥

Heat 2 tbsp of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add plantain slices and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4 - 🍚🍳🔥

In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add quinoa and stir to toast for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant
Step 5 - 🍲🍚🔥

Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper to quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 18 minutes, until quinoa is tender and broth has been absorbed
Step 6 - 🍗🔥⏰

While quinoa cooks, grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through
Step 7 - 🍴🍗💆‍♂️

Once the chicken is cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips
Step 8 - 🍽️🍚🍗

On each plate, start with a bed of quinoa, top with sliced chicken, and add a few plantain rounds on the side. Garnish with chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges if desired

Additional

If plantains aren't your favorite, ripe bananas or sweet potatoes also work well in this recipe. You can also adjust the spice level of the jerk seasoning to your personal taste. Kids can help measure and add ingredients to the quinoa and stir it while it cooks.