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Flavorful Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry

Jamaican jerk chicken stir-fry - featured image

A quick and easy stir-fry combining smoky, spicy Jamaican jerk chicken with sweet caramelized pineapple for a vibrant and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with Jamaican jerk seasoning and soy sauce. Toss well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30 minutes.
  2. While chicken marinates, slice bell peppers, mince garlic, grate ginger, slice green onions, and cut pineapple into bite-sized chunks if not pre-cut.
  3. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and nearly cooked through. Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Push chicken to one side of pan. Add garlic and ginger to empty side and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bell peppers and stir together. Cook 3-4 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  6. Add pineapple chunks and stir-fry 2-3 minutes to caramelize slightly and combine flavors.
  7. Remove pan from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over stir-fry and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Toss gently to combine.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra jerk seasoning if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or preferred grain.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for flavor; overnight is ideal. Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Avoid crowding pan to get a good sear. Add pineapple last to prevent mushiness. Adjust jerk seasoning to taste for spice level. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Vegan option: use firm tofu marinated in jerk seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican jerk chicken, pineapple stir-fry, spicy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Caribbean flavors, sweet and spicy, weeknight meal