This Jerk Chicken with Creamy Coconut Coleslaw is bold, balanced, and full of flavor. The smoky heat from jerk-seasoned chicken thighs meets the creamy sweetness of coconut coleslaw for a dish that’s both fiery and refreshing. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, it’s the meal that wakes up your taste buds and satisfies every craving.

Featured Standouts

Chicken Thighs

 Chosen for their natural juiciness and rich flavor, chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. Their robust nature allows them to stand up beautifully to high heat cooking and the bold, complex seasonings of jerk marinade, ensuring a tender and succulent bite every time. For the best results, boneless thighs are recommended as they maintain their moisture even when seared, delivering an exceptionally tender texture.

Coconut Milk

This ingredient is key to the coleslaw’s luxurious texture and subtle sweetness. It imparts a rich creaminess that perfectly balances the fiery kick of the jerk seasoning, creating a harmonious contrast of flavors. In the coleslaw, it mellows the spice and adds a tropical dimension.

Habanero Pepper

For those seeking genuine Caribbean heat, the habanero pepper is indispensable. Its distinctive fruity and intensely spicy notes are central to authentic jerk flavor. If you prefer a milder experience, the heat can be adjusted by using less pepper or by carefully removing the seeds and inner membranes.

Cabbage

The foundation of the coleslaw, cabbage provides a crisp and refreshing crunch. Its fresh, slightly peppery flavor offers a delightful textural and taste contrast to the rich and spicy chicken, creating a well-balanced meal.

Fresh Lime

A squeeze of fresh lime is the ultimate brightener for this dish. Its zesty acidity cuts through the richness of the coconut milk and the smokiness of the chicken, tying all the diverse flavors together with a vibrant, refreshing finish. It awakens the palate and adds a crucial element of freshness.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST JERK CHICKEN & CREAMY COCONUT COLESLAW

Marination is Key

For an explosion of flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 6 hours. For the absolute best and most deeply infused taste, aim for an overnight marinade. This extended period allows the spices and aromatics to fully penetrate the chicken, resulting in unparalleled depth of flavor.

Boneless Thighs for Tenderness

Opt for boneless chicken thighs. Their inherent tenderness ensures a juicy and flavorful bite that remains moist even after being seared at high temperatures, preventing dryness often associated with other cuts of chicken.

Chill Your Coleslaw

Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This crucial step permits the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften ever so slightly, enhancing both its texture and taste.

Customize the Heat

If you or your guests are sensitive to spice, you can easily control the heat level. Remove the seeds and white membranes from the habanero pepper, as these contain the majority of the capsaicin. Alternatively, you can substitute the habanero with a milder chili pepper, such as a jalapeño or serrano.

Smoky Tortillas

For an extra layer of flavor, warm your tortillas in the same skillet used to cook the chicken. This simple trick imparts a subtle smokiness to the tortillas, perfectly complementing the jerk chicken and making for a more immersive culinary experience.

INCLUSIVE ADAPTIONS

Gluten-Free Version

 Easily make this meal gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of wheat-based ones. This simple swap allows individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to safely enjoy the dish.

Egg-Free or Dairy-Free Version

For those with egg or dairy allergies, or for individuals following a vegan diet, substitute traditional mayonnaise with a high-quality vegan mayonnaise in the coleslaw. This ensures the same creamy texture and delicious flavor without compromising dietary restrictions.

Reduced Prep for Limited Hand Mobility

To minimize preparation time and effort, especially for those with limited hand mobility, consider using pre-shredded cabbage and carrots. Many grocery stores offer these convenient options, allowing for quicker assembly of the coleslaw without sacrificing freshness or flavor.

Spice-Sensitive Eaters

For individuals who prefer less heat, there are several ways to adjust the spice level. Replace the habanero pepper with a milder chili, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the intense heat. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the complex flavors of the dish, tailored to their individual spice tolerance.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Blender

Mixing bowls

Whisk

Cast iron skillet

Tongs

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

CRISPY SALT AND VINEGAR SEASONED HOMEFRIES

STICKY HOISIN AIR FRIED GREEN BEANS

ROASTED GARLIC AND CALABRIAN CHILI FINGERLING POTATOES

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

CRAWFISH AND SAUSAGE STUFFED POBLANO PEPPERS

JERK RIBS

MANGO HABANERO PORK TENDERLOIN

RECIPE

Jerk Chicken + Creamy Coconut Coleslaw

This Jerk Chicken with Creamy Coconut Coleslaw is bold, balanced, and full of texture. The smoky heat from jerk-seasoned chicken thighs meets the creamy sweetness of coconut coleslaw for a dish that’s both fiery and refreshing. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, it’s the kind of meal that wakes up your taste buds and satisfies every craving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 4 hours hrs

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• For the Jerk Chicken:
• 2 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 10 flour tortillas
• 1 lime segmented for serving
• For the Jerk Marinade:
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 habanero pepper
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 green onions
• 5 garlic cloves
• ½ inch nub fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tsp thyme
• ½ inch cinnamon stick
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• For the Coconut Coleslaw:
• 3 cups yellow cabbage grated
• 1 large carrot grated
• 1 green onion sliced
• For the Coleslaw Dressing:
• ¼ cup whole coconut milk
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp white sugar

Method

 

1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine all jerk marinade ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Remove the skin from the chicken thighs. Toss the chicken with the prepared marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Make the Coleslaw Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, celery seed, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine the grated yellow cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced green onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine thoroughly. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for approximately 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Warm the Tortillas: Once the chicken is done, if the skillet is clean (without burned bits), use the same pan to warm the tortillas. Otherwise, use a clean skillet.
7. Serve: Roughly chop the cooked chicken. Fill the warmed tortillas with the chopped chicken, top with a generous spoonful of coconut coleslaw, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

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