Jerk chicken is a tasty and versatile protein that can be incorporated into tacos, pasta dishes, salads and so much more. In a burrito, it’s a flavorful fusion of Mexican and Jamaican cuisine. Picture succulent pieces of spicy, smoky chicken, charred to perfection, then paired with classic fillings like seasoned rice, black beans, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce—all bundled up in a warm tortilla.
For the Jerk Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Burritos:
- Large flour tortillas
- Cooked rice (white or coconut rice for a Caribbean twist)
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
- Sour cream and salsa (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine Jamaican jerk seasoning, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, minced garlic, grated ginger, allspice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well to form a thick paste.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the jerk marinade, ensuring each piece is well covered. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or, for optimal flavor, refrigerate for a few hours.
2. Grill the Jerk Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken thighs for approximately 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked with a delicious char.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Assemble the Burritos:
- Warm the flour tortillas.
- Begin assembling the burritos by layering rice, black beans, sliced jerk chicken, avocado, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro in the center of each tortilla.
- Squeeze a lime wedge over the filling for an extra burst of freshness.
4. Roll and Serve:
- Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom and roll tightly to form a burrito.
- Repeat the process for each burrito.
- Serve the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Burritos with additional lime wedges, and if desired, accompany them with sour cream and salsa.
