Recently showcased on THV 11’s The Vine, our Caribbean Citrus Chicken recipe is a true culinary masterpiece crafted by our very own Chef Serge Krikoian. This vibrant dish brings together the bold flavors of the Caribbean with a zesty citrus twist, creating a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. Let’s dive into the origins of this delectable recipe and explore why it’s perfect for any occasion.
Originating in Jamaica, Caribbean Jerk Chicken is a traditional dish celebrated for its spicy and aromatic profile. Typically marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, jerk chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in tender meat with a smoky, charred flavor.
Chef Serge’s Special Recipe
Chef Serge puts his own spin on this classic dish by infusing it with vibrant citrus flavors and aromatic spices. The marinade, featuring ingredients like green onions, garlic, allspice, and soy sauce, creates a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The addition of zesty jalapeno peppers and tangy Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity to the marinade, elevating the flavor profile of the chicken.
Savoring Every Moment: Ideal Settings for Caribbean Citrus Chicken
- Intimate Dinner Parties: Picture a cozy gathering of friends and loved ones, where the tantalizing aroma of Caribbean Citrus Chicken fills the air. Set the scene with flickering candles, soft music, and elegant table settings for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Family Gatherings: Bring the whole family together for a memorable feast featuring Chef Serge’s Caribbean-inspired creation. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Special Occasion Celebrations: Planning a milestone birthday, anniversary, or engagement party? Impress your guests with the exotic flavors of Caribbean Citrus Chicken, served alongside festive cocktails and decadent desserts. It’s the perfect way to elevate any celebration and create lasting memories.
- Beachside Cookouts: Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with a beachside cookout featuring Caribbean Citrus Chicken. Imagine savoring juicy chicken infused with tropical flavors, surrounded by palm trees, ocean breezes, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It’s a culinary escape you won’t soon forget.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this succulent Caribbean Citrus Chicken with our homemade Mango Salsa for a burst of freshness and flavor. The juicy mangoes, crisp bell peppers, and zesty lime juice perfectly complement the spicy chicken, creating a tantalizing contrast of tastes and textures.
Zhoug Sauce: A Flavorful Finishing Touch
For those who crave an extra kick of heat and flavor, Chef Serge’s Zhoug Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. Made with jalapeno peppers, garlic, cilantro, and a blend of aromatic spices, this vibrant green sauce adds a burst of freshness and complexity to every bite.
With its vibrant flavors, exotic spices, and zesty citrus accents, our Caribbean Citrus Chicken is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a formal dinner party, this flavorful dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and embark on a culinary journey to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with Vibrant Occasions.
Caribbean Citrus Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
2 teaspoons allspice berries, coarsely ground
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1 Jalapeno pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 tablespoon ground pepper
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon Grapeseed oil
1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups Mango Salsa (recipe below)
Instructions:
In a blender, combine the chopped onion, green onions, garlic cloves, five-spice powder, allspice berries, dried thyme, chopped Jalapeno pepper, salt, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend the ingredients for 15 to 30 seconds until you have a smooth marinade.
Pour the marinade into a large, shallow dish. Add the chicken pieces to the dish, turning them to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken. Make sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before proceeding.
Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, grill the marinated chicken pieces, turning them occasionally, for about 6 minutes on each side. This will help brown the chicken and give it a delicious charred flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Transfer the grilled chicken pieces to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the Mango Salsa, which will add a fresh and tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.
Mango Salsa:
2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
In a bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, minced jalapeno pepper, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped cilantro leaves if desired. Stir everything together until well combined. Refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush it with zhoug sauce for added flavor and a glossy finish. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 8 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender chicken.
Serve the Caribbean Chicken with the prepared Mango Salsa on the side. The salsa adds a refreshing and fruity element to balance the heat of the jerk chicken.
Enjoy your delicious Caribbean jerk chicken with Mango Salsa!
Zhoug Recipe
Ingredients:
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded (for a milder version, you can use half a jalapeno)
2 cloves garlic
4-5 ounces fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup grapeseed oil (you can adjust the amount for desired consistency)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon optional crushed red pepper flakes (for added heat)
Instructions:
Place the jalapeno pepper (seeded), garlic cloves, fresh cilantro, ground cardamom, ground cumin, and salt in a food processor. Pulse the ingredients until they are uniformly chopped and well combined.
Slowly add the grapeseed oil and lemon juice to the food processor while it’s running. Process the mixture until you achieve a coarse paste. If you prefer a looser consistency, you can add a bit more oil.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or heat if necessary. If you like your sauce spicier, you can add optional crushed red pepper flakes.
Zhoug sauce is now ready to be used as a condiment or marinade for various dishes. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Zhoug!
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