Weight Watchers Jerk Chicken

This Jerk Chicken is weight watchers friendly and perfect for warm weather.

Why should you try Jerk Chicken?

1. If you’re a fan of bold and intense flavors, Jerk Chicken is a must-try. Its marinade, infused with a blend of spices like allspice and Scotch Bonnet peppers, delivers a powerful punch that is both spicy and aromatic. Pair it with a refreshing salad featuring pineapple or mango to balance out the heat and add a touch of sweetness.

2. Hosting a barbecue party? Jerk Chicken is the perfect choice to impress your guests. Not only does it break away from the usual chicken flavors, but it’s also a dish that can be prepared in advance. Simply marinate the chicken overnight, and when your guests arrive, fire up the grill and start cooking.

Recipe Overview

 Yield: This recipe makes 4 servings.

Serving Size: One serving of Jerk Chicken is typically one chicken breast, approximately 6-8 ounces (170-225 grams). Adjust serving sizes according to your preferences and appetite.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (grilling)

1 WW Point Per Serving

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of scallions, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup vinegar
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeds removed and chopped
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 whole clove
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar or piloncillo
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon allspice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped scallions, red onion, Scotch bonnet peppers, salt, vinegar, cinnamon, clove, oil, soy sauce, brown sugar or piloncillo, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground allspice. Blend until you have a smooth paste.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are hot and covered with ash.

4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the Jerk Chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.

6. Serve the Jerk Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as rice and peas, grilled vegetables, or coleslaw. Enjoy the bold and spicy flavors of this Jamaican classic!

Variations and Substitutions

Experimenting with different types of peppers is one way to customize your Jerk Chicken to suit your taste buds. If Scotch Bonnet peppers are too spicy for you, consider using milder options like poblano peppers, Peruvian yellow peppers, or guajillo chilies.

While Jerk Chicken is traditionally made with chicken, don’t be afraid to try it with other meats like pork, beef, or turkey. The versatile marinade can elevate any protein to new heights of flavor.

Adjusting the sweetness of the marinade is easy too. If your peppers aren’t too spicy, reduce the amount of sugar or even substitute it with a touch of stevia for a healthier alternative.

Tips and Tricks for Making Jerk Chicken

 1. When preparing the marinade, start with small amounts of cinnamon and spice, then adjust to taste. The combination of cinnamon and meat may be unusual for some palates, so it’s best to ease into it.

2. Make extra Jerk sauce and store it in individual containers in the freezer. Alternatively, marinate the chicken in individual bags and enjoy it whenever you like. It keeps well for up to three weeks.

3. The texture of the Jerk sauce is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer a smooth sauce, while others enjoy finding whole pieces of spices. Blend the sauce to your desired consistency.

4. For an extra burst of flavor, serve your delicious Jerk Chicken with grilled pineapples or mangoes.

WW Points

Uncooked boneless skin-less chicken breast 0 points
Vinegar 0 points
Soy sauce 0 points
Garlic 0 points
Red onion 0 points
Scallions 0 points
Fresh ginger 0 points
Unpacked brown sugar 2 points
Olive oil 1 point
Whole cloves 0 points
Scotch bonnet 0 points
Ground cinnamon 0 points
Whole allspice 0 points