Jerk Chicken For One

Enjoy the vibrant Caribbean flavors with our easy Jerk Chicken recipe, tailored for one and without the heat. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this simple recipe turns a single chicken breast into a delicious meal, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Infused with the rich tastes of the Caribbean, this single serve Jerk Chicken offers an easy way to bring island cuisine to your table. Ideal for anyone looking for a fast, tasty dinner option.

this Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

• Single serving size: Perfect for enjoying a flavorful meal without cooking for a crowd.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious jerk chicken dinner.
• Bold flavors: The jerk seasoning packs a punch, offering a taste of the Caribbean in every bite.
• Recipe doubles well: If you’d like to make a jerk chicken dinner for two, or to simply have enough for another meal, just double the ingredient amounts.

What Is Jerk Chicken?

Jerk Chicken is a popular Jamaican dish that features chicken coated with a fabulous jerk seasoning which includes spices like cinnamon, cumin, and allspice. Our jerk chicken is a milder version of this classic Caribbean dish and is tailored for those who prefer less heat. Made with a juicy, boneless, skinless chicken breast, the coating is adapted to offer a gentle kick of flavors without overpowering spiciness. This deliciously aromatic dish is filled with mild spices, then baked to perfection in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Jamaican jerk seasoning: Use allspice, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. You are in control of the heat here so if you’d like to make your jerk chicken a little spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. I’ve tested this recipe with 1/8 of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and found that this amount of cayenne pepper yields a very spicy jerk chicken. I suggest starting out with half that amount, taste the seasoning, and add additional cayenne pepper if you feel it is necessary.
• Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this simple jerk chicken recipe and in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains a more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It’s my favorite type of olive oil, but you may use light olive oil instead.
• Chicken: Use 1 (5 to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

Recipe Variations

If you’re a fan of the jerk flavor profile but want to shake things up a bit, here are some recipe variations. Each keeps the essence of the dish while introducing a new twist.

• Grilled Pineapple Topping: Grill slices of pineapple and place them on top of your jerk chicken for a tropical, summery feel.
• Jerk Chicken Tacos: Dice the cooked jerk chicken breast and use it as a filling for soft tacos. Top with lettuce, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Jerk Chicken Salad: Slice the cooked chicken breast and serve it over a bed of mixed greens, tropical fruits, and a light vinaigrette for a Caribbean-inspired salad.

How To Make Jerk Chicken For One

These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make jerk chicken. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Combine brown sugar, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir in the olive oil.

Pro Tip: If you’d like a spicy jerk chicken, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.

2. Rub the jerk seasoning over all sides of the chicken breast and place in a lightly greased 5×7-inch baking dish.

3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken has reached 165°F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
4. Transfer to a plate and pour the juices over the chicken. Slice and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. This easy jerk chicken recipe comes together quickly so it’s a good idea to have everything ready before beginning.
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through. Cook the meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
• Rest before slicing: Allow the cooked chicken breast to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, which helps retain juices and improves overall texture.
• Adjust heat level: Customize the spiciness of your jerk chicken by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the jerk seasoning.
• If the melted brown sugar sticks to the baking dish, simply pour boiling water into the dish and the brown sugar will melt right off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your jerk chicken with the right side dishes can take your meal from good to fantastic. From classics like white rice to something more adventurous like cowboy caviar, the possibilities are plentiful. Here are some accessible and easy-to-prepare sides that complement the dish:

• White Rice: A side of fluffy white rice is a simple yet effective choice, serving as a neutral base that allows the jerk chicken’s flavors to shine.
• Cowboy Caviar: This blend of beans, corn, and spices adds both texture and flavor, creating a vibrant contrast with your jerk chicken.
• Simple Salad: A mix of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette lets the jerk chicken be the star of your meal.
• French Bread: Add some carb comfort with slices of crusty bread; its rich, buttery flavor pairs well with the chicken.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Opt for fuss-free sides like sautéed green beans for a well-rounded, healthy meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes soak up the flavors of the jerk seasoning beautifully.
• Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and a light dressing offer a crisp, refreshing balance to the dish.

How To Store Jerk Chicken

Store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

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