Recipe by: Ashalee Fitzgerald 

Delicious and Flavorful Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe

Looking for a vibrant and flavorful dish to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than this mouthwatering jerk chicken bowl recipe. Packed with Caribbean-inspired flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a burst of colors, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this culinary masterpiece:

Ingredients:

For Jerk Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (such as Walkerswood)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Trader Joe’s brand recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Everyday Seasoning (Trader Joe’s brand)
• ½ sachet chicken seasoning
• 1 tablespoon garlic or Adobo seasoning
• 1 shallot

For Tri-Color Quinoa:

• 2 cups tri-color quinoa (Trader Joe’s brand)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Butter or olive oil

For Black Beans:

• 1 can black beans (Trader Joe’s brand)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of honey

For Fried Plantains:

• 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• Vegetable oil for frying

Fresh Spring Vegetables:

• Arugula
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Purple cabbage
• Avocado
• Raisins
• Sunflower seeds
• Olive oil
• Lime (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
• Rub jerk seasoning, salt, Everyday Seasoning, Adobo seasoning, chicken seasoning, olive oil, and shallot evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring to cover all sides. Pro tip: Use a fork to puncture the chicken for faster marination.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a bowl and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
• Cook the marinated chicken on a preheated grill, jerk pan, or oven grill at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 minutes, flipping twice to ensure even cooking.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and cover it with foil to preserve its juices and heat.
2. Cook the Tri-Color Quinoa:
• Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.
• In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil.
• Stir in the quinoa and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Fried Plantains:
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the plantain slices in batches and fry them until golden brown on both sides.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
• In a bowl, arrange the cooked sliced jerk chicken breast over a bed of quinoa.
• Add a serving of black beans and fresh spring vegetables to the bowl.
• Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for added freshness.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful jerk chicken bowl!

With vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients, this jerk chicken bowl recipe is a perfect choice for a satisfying and nutritious dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Caribbean!