Experience the Islands: Authentic Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken with Sweet Coconut Rice
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant Caribbean with this exquisite recipe for Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken served over luscious Sweet Coconut Rice. This dish promises a captivating blend of smoky heat and tropical sweetness, transforming any meal into an unforgettable feast. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend dinners, or whenever you crave a taste of paradise, this recipe is designed to impress your friends and family with its bold flavors and succulent textures.
Imagine tender, juicy chicken, deeply marinated in a robust jerk rub, zesty lime, and rich coconut milk overnight. This extended marination infuses every fiber with incredible flavor. As it bakes, a homemade sweet and spicy jerk glaze is generously brushed over the chicken, caramelizing beautifully to create a irresistibly crisp, golden-brown skin. Each bite delivers a burst of complex Caribbean spices, perfectly balanced by the sweet, aromatic notes of the coconut milk.
This flavorful chicken is thoughtfully paired with our beloved Jamaican Coconut Sweet Rice. The delicate sweetness of the coconut rice, with its subtle vanilla undertones and toasted coconut flakes, provides the ideal counterpoint to the intense heat of the jerk chicken. This harmonious combination will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched island, making you dream of celebrating special moments in a tropical paradise.
This recipe post is proudly sponsored by Spice Isle Sauces. All opinions expressed and my genuine affection for their exceptional products and inspiring brand story are entirely my own.
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Discover the Authentic Flavors of Spice Isle Sauces!
At the heart of Spice Isle Sauces are Steve and Heidi Nolan, a dynamic couple based in Lincoln, Nebraska. You might wonder how a company founded in the Midwest came to craft authentic Caribbean sauces and rubs. Their story is one of passion, travel, and a deep appreciation for island culture.
The Nolans share a profound love for travel, frequently exploring the breathtaking islands of the Caribbean. Among their many favorite destinations, Providenciales in Turks and Caicos holds a special place in their hearts. This deep connection to the islands inspired them to pursue a dream of owning an island business. In November of 2013, that dream became a reality with the opening of Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant on Providenciales.
Just a year later, their culinary venture expanded beyond the restaurant walls. They began bottling and selling their very first specialty sauce, the Crackpot Kitchen Tropical Tamarind BBQ Sauce. This unique creation quickly gained immense popularity among both tourists seeking a taste of the islands and local residents who recognized its authentic flavor.
From Island Charm to Global Reach: The Evolution of Spice Isle Sauces
The burgeoning demand for their Tropical Tamarind BBQ Sauce presented a logistical challenge for the Nolans. Keeping up with orders from island grocery stores and gift shops became increasingly difficult, hindering efficient production. To overcome this, in January of 2015, they made the strategic decision to move the production of their sauces to a dedicated facility just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, right here in the United States.
While the original Crackpot Kitchen Tropical Tamarind BBQ Sauce has since been retired, its legacy lives on through an expanded and even more diverse product line. Spice Isle Sauces now offers three distinct sauce and rub combinations, each designed to bring a piece of the Caribbean to your kitchen:
- Tropical Seasoning Rub & Tropical Tamarind Sauce: A vibrant and tangy flavor profile.
- Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub & Tropical Jerk Sauce: The bold, spicy, and aromatic essence of Jamaican jerk.
- Tropical Heat Seasoning Rub & Tropical Heat Sauce: For those who love an extra kick of Caribbean fire.
Today’s featured recipe, Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken over Sweet Coconut Rice, proudly utilizes both the Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub and the Tropical Jerk Sauce from Spice Isle. Let’s dive into how effortlessly you can create this magnificent meal, bringing the authentic taste of the Caribbean directly to your dining table.
The Ultimate Island Meal: Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about crafting an experience. The combination of fiery jerk spices, mellow coconut, and sweet caramelization creates a symphony of flavors that is both exciting and comforting. Here’s a closer look at the key elements that make this dish truly special:
The Heart of Jerk: Marination for Unmatched Flavor
The secret to truly spectacular jerk chicken lies in the marination. Using Spice Isle’s Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub, combined with the acidity of fresh lime juice and the creamy richness of vanilla coconut milk, creates a marinade that penetrates deep into the chicken. This overnight soak tenderizes the meat while imbuing it with the iconic flavors of allspice, thyme, fiery Scotch bonnets (don’t worry, the sauce balances the heat), and other aromatic spices. The coconut milk also helps keep the chicken incredibly moist during cooking, ensuring every bite is succulent.
The Magic of the Glaze: Sweet and Spicy Perfection
What truly elevates this chicken is the jerk glaze. A perfect fusion of Spice Isle’s Tropical Jerk Sauce, sticky honey, and rich brown sugar, this glaze is applied halfway through the baking process. As the chicken continues to cook, the glaze caramelizes into a beautiful, glossy, and slightly sticky crust that locks in moisture and adds an irresistible layer of sweet heat. Basting regularly with the pan juices infused with the glaze ensures a consistently flavorful and tender bird.
Ingredients for Your Tropical Escape:
- Whole chicken (5-pound recommended)
- Vanilla coconut milk
- Fresh lime juice
- Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce
- Golden honey
- Light brown sugar
- Ingredients for your homemade Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice
Preparing Your Jerk Chicken: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide
The journey to perfect jerk chicken begins long before it hits the oven. The night before, or at least the morning of, thoroughly rub your chicken with the vibrant Tropical Jerk Seasoning. Place it in a large ziplock bag and pour over a delightful mixture of fresh lime juice and vanilla coconut milk. Ensure the chicken is fully coated, seal the bag, and refrigerate it overnight. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat, promising an incredibly succulent result.
When it’s time to bake, remove the chicken from the marinade. For even cooking and a beautiful presentation, use butcher’s twine to tie the chicken’s legs together and tuck its wings neatly underneath. Place it breast-side up on a baking rack positioned over a sturdy roasting pan. This setup ensures air circulation, promoting crispy skin and consistent cooking.
Before placing it in the preheated oven, brush the chicken generously with melted butter. This not only adds richness but also helps the skin crisp up to a golden perfection. Sprinkle a little more Tropical Jerk Seasoning over the buttered skin for an extra layer of flavor and aroma. Now, your chicken is ready for its delicious transformation in the oven.
While your chicken begins to bake, it’s the perfect time to prepare the star of the show: the sweet and spicy jerk glaze. This irresistible concoction is a simple yet potent blend of Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce, sweet honey, and rich brown sugar. Combine these ingredients in a small saucepan and gently heat on low until the brown sugar is completely dissolved, creating a smooth, glossy glaze. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Once your Jamaican jerk glaze is smooth and ready, set it aside. It will patiently wait until the perfect moment to be brushed over your chicken, creating that signature caramelized finish that defines this incredible dish.
Approximately halfway through its baking time, it’s time to apply the magic. Liberally brush your chicken with the prepared jerk glaze. As the chicken continues to cook, the glaze will mingle with the savory juices accumulating at the bottom of the roasting pan. Periodically, use a basting brush or a turkey baster to scoop up these flavorful pan juices and reapply them over the chicken. This continuous basting ensures an incredibly moist, deeply flavored, and beautifully caramelized crust.
Accuracy is key in cooking, especially with poultry. Your chicken is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. For precision, I wholeheartedly recommend my Thermapen Mk4. It’s the most reliable and fastest meat thermometer I’ve ever owned, providing almost instant readings to ensure your chicken is cooked safely and perfectly every time.
The Perfect Accompaniment: Jamaican Coconut Sweet Rice
While your magnificent jerk chicken is baking to perfection, take the opportunity to prepare its ideal partner: the Jamaican Coconut Sweet Rice. This side dish is more than just rice; it’s a story and an essential component that elevates the entire meal.
This particular recipe for coconut rice holds a special place in my heart. I first encountered a version of it at a charming restaurant within one of our favorite resorts in Jamaica. It was love at first bite! The subtle sweetness and creamy texture were unlike any rice dish I had experienced before. My interest deepened when I chatted with one of the resort’s entertainment committee members. He shared that his favorite dish his mother prepared when he visited home was this very rice.
The flavors transported me back to my childhood, reminding me of the sweet rice my own mom used to make. However, the addition of toasted coconut in this Jamaican version simply pushed it over the top into culinary bliss. The combination of this delicately sweet, aromatic coconut rice with the bold, spicy kick of the jerk chicken is nothing short of extraordinary. It creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal that truly captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine.
Just look at her! Emerging from the oven, golden and glistening, isn’t she just the prettiest chicken you ever did see? The caramelized glaze shines, promising a symphony of flavors within.
It wasn’t until I reviewed my photos for this very post that I noticed how the chicken seemed to be “posing” so elegantly on its bed of sweet coconut rice. It truly made me laugh out loud! This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a work of art, ready to be the centerpiece of your table.
Stay Connected with Spice Isle Sauces!
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, new recipes, and more from Spice Isle Sauces and Seasonings! You can easily connect with them online:
- Follow them on Facebook
- Find inspiration on Instagram
- Catch their updates on Twitter
Be sure to explore their official website for even more tantalizing recipes and product information. You might even have the chance to meet Steve and Heidi in person! They are often on the go, attending various festivals and food shows across the United States, passionately promoting their authentic product line and sharing the true taste of the Islands with new fans.
Where to Purchase Spice Isle Seasonings & Sauces
Ready to infuse your cooking with authentic Caribbean flair? Getting your hands on Spice Isle products is simple!
- Order directly from the convenience of the Spice Isle Website.
- You can also find their full range of products on the Buy Nebraska Website.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring other ways to bring tropical flavors into your kitchen. Last month, I whipped up these irresistible Tropical Chicken Nachos with Tropical Salsa, featuring Spice Isle’s Tropical Seasoning Rub & Tropical Tamarind Sauce. They’re a crowd-pleaser and will definitely transport you straight to the islands!
^LOVE IT? PIN IT!^
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Who’s ready to infuse their next meal with a tantalizing tropical twist? I know I am! Let’s get straight to the full recipe details for this incredible Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken over Sweet Coconut Rice.
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Print Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken
Add some spice to your life with this Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken over Sweet Coconut Rice. Juicy, flavorful chicken served over Jamaican coconut rice.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Additional Time: 8 hours (for marination)
Total Time: 9 hours 50 minutes
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Jamaican
Keyword: How to make a Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Jerk Glaze, Spice Isle Sauces
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 845 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Spice Isle Sauces LLC Products
- Norpro Deluxe Stainless Steel Baster with Injector and Cleaning Brush
- Large Ziplock Bag
- Roasting Pan with Rack
- Butcher’s Twine
- Saucepan
- Meat Thermometer (e.g., Thermapen Mk4)
Ingredients
- 1 – 5-pound whole chicken
- ½ cup vanilla coconut milk
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Rub (+ additional for sprinkling)
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup honey
- Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice (prepared separately)
Instructions
- Rub the chicken thoroughly with 2 Tablespoons of Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Rub. Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag. In a separate bowl, mix together the lime juice and coconut milk, then pour this mixture over the chicken in the bag. Ensure the chicken is fully coated, then seal the bag and refrigerate overnight for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
- Remove the chicken from the ziplock bag. Place it on a rack over a baking pan. Using butcher’s twine, tie the chicken’s legs together and tuck its wings under for even cooking. Brush the entire chicken generously with melted butter and then sprinkle with additional Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Seasoning.
- Bake the chicken uncovered for approximately 20 minutes per pound.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare your glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, and Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- About halfway through the chicken’s baking time, generously brush the entire chicken with all of the prepared glaze. As the chicken continues to cook, the glaze will mix with the delicious juices at the bottom of the baking dish. Use these flavorful pan juices to baste the chicken every 15 minutes until it is fully cooked.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) in the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
- Serve immediately over a bed of freshly prepared Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice. Enjoy your tropical feast!
Nutrition
Calories: 845kcal |
Carbohydrates: 35g |
Protein: 91g |
Fat: 58g |
Saturated Fat: 19g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 33g |
Cholesterol: 377mg |
Sodium: 528mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 33g