🔥 Keto Jerk Chicken – Spicy, Smoky & Caribbean-Inspired! 🌴🍗

This Keto Jerk Chicken recipe features marinated chicken thighs infused with traditional Jamaican spices, offering bold, spicy, and smoky flavors. Low in carbs and high in protein, it’s perfect paired with cauliflower rice or grilled veggies. Each serving has only 4g net carbs, making it an ideal keto-friendly dish.

Get ready for bold island flavors with this Keto Jerk Chicken! Featuring juicy, marinated chicken infused with spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet Jamaican seasonings, this dish is low-carb, high-protein, and bursting with Caribbean heat! Serve it with cauliflower rice, grilled veggies, or keto coconut slaw for a complete tropical feast.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

🍗 For the Jerk Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless for easy grilling)

• 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon lime zest

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 2 green onions (chopped)

• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)

• 1 teaspoon allspice

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

🥗 For Keto-Friendly Sides:

• Cauliflower rice (for a traditional Jamaican-style side)

• Grilled bell peppers & zucchini

• Keto coconut slaw (cabbage, lime, coconut cream, and a hint of spice)

🌿 For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley

• Lime wedges

Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:

• In a blender or food processor, combine oil, lime juice, garlic, green onions, coconut aminos, vinegar, ginger, and spices.

• Blend into a smooth paste.

• Rub marinade all over chicken thighs, making sure to coat well.

• Let marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 12 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor).

2️⃣ Cook the Jerk Chicken:

🔥 Grill Method (Best for Authentic Flavor!):

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).

• Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until charred and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F).

🔥 Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.

🔥 Skillet Method:

• Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

• Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, then lower heat and cover for 5 more minutes until cooked through.

3️⃣ Prepare Keto Sides (Optional):

• Cauliflower Rice: Sauté with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lime.

• Grilled Veggies: Toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill.

• Coconut Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage with coconut cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

• Plate Jerk Chicken with your keto sides, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

🔥 Pro Tip: For a smoky twist, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade!

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 1/4 of the Recipe)

• Calories: ~480

• Protein: ~42g

• Fat: ~30g

• Net Carbs: ~4g

1 click grocery list can be accessed here!

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