Authentic Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken with Sweet Coconut Rice: Your Tropical Escape
Embark on a culinary journey to the Caribbean with this incredible Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken, perfectly paired with sweet, aromatic Coconut Rice. This dish promises a vibrant explosion of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken, deeply infused with traditional jerk spices and coated in a irresistible sweet and spicy glaze, all served over a bed of fragrant, subtly sweet Jamaican coconut rice. It’s a meal that’s both comforting and exotic, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
As the seasons change and the holidays approach, why not infuse your table with a touch of island warmth and excitement? This Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken with Sweet Coconut Rice offers a delightful deviation from traditional festive fare. It’s a show-stopping dish that’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation. Prepare to receive rave reviews when you bring this tropical masterpiece to your dining table.
The secret to this chicken’s extraordinary flavor lies in its preparation. We start by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a rich blend of authentic jerk seasoning, tangy fresh lime juice, and creamy coconut milk. This extended marinade ensures that every fiber of the chicken is imbued with a complex, savory, and spicy essence. Then, as it bakes to perfection, a luscious sweet and spicy jerk glaze is generously applied, caramelizing beautifully over the skin, creating a mouth-watering crust that locks in all the incredible juices. The result is an unforgettable culinary experience.
This intensely flavorful chicken finds its perfect counterpart in my popular Jamaican Coconut Sweet Rice. The gentle sweetness and creamy texture of the coconut rice provide a harmonious balance to the bold, fiery kick of the jerk chicken. This delightful combination of spice and sweet coconut will undoubtedly have you dreaming of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, celebrating life with a true taste of the Caribbean.
This post is proudly sponsored by Spice Isle Sauces. All opinions expressed here, along with my genuine admiration for their exceptional products and inspiring journey, are entirely my own. I only endorse brands and products that I truly believe in and personally use.
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Discover the Authentic Flavors of SPICE ISLE SAUCES!
Behind the incredible flavors of Spice Isle Sauces are Steve and Heidi Nolan, a passionate couple residing in Lincoln, Nebraska. You might wonder how a couple from the heartland of the United States became purveyors of authentic Caribbean sauces and rubs. Their story is one of adventure, passion, and a deep love for the islands.
The Nolans share a profound love for travel, and their wanderlust frequently led them to explore the vibrant cultures and culinary delights of the Caribbean islands. Among their many beloved destinations, Providenciales in Turks and Caicos held a special place in their hearts. The island’s breathtaking beauty and unique flavors captured their imagination, inspiring a dream that would soon become a reality.
In November of 2013, their dream materialized when they opened Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant on the picturesque island of Providenciales. This venture allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the local culinary scene and share their passion for Caribbean cuisine with both tourists and locals. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its exquisite flavors and warm island hospitality.
Just one year later, due to overwhelming demand and the popularity of their unique flavors, the Nolans took a significant step: they began bottling and selling their very first specialty product, the Crackpot Kitchen Tropical Tamarind BBQ Sauce. This sauce, an instant hit at the restaurant, allowed customers to take a piece of the Caribbean home with them, quickly becoming a local favorite and a sought-after souvenir for visitors.
However, keeping up with the soaring demand from island grocery stores and gift shops proved to be a significant logistical challenge for the growing business.
Where are Spice Isle Sauces Made Today?
To address the increasing demand and streamline production, the Nolans made the strategic decision in January of 2015 to move the manufacturing of their sauces to a dedicated facility just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, within the United States. This move enabled them to scale production efficiently while maintaining the authentic quality and flavors that their customers had come to love.
Since then, their original Tropical Tamarind BBQ Sauce has evolved. It has gracefully retired to make way for a diverse and exciting line of three distinct sauces and rubs, each designed to capture a different facet of Caribbean flavor: the vibrant Tropical Seasoning Rub & Tropical Tamarind Sauce, the boldly authentic Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub & Tropical Jerk Sauce (featured in today’s recipe!), and the intensely fiery Tropical Heat Seasoning Rub & Tropical Heat Sauce. Each product is a testament to the Nolans’ dedication to bringing the true taste of the islands to your kitchen.
Today’s mouth-watering recipe for Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken over Sweet Coconut Rice highlights the incredible flavors of both the Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub and the Tropical Jerk Sauce. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create this scrumptious, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken:
- A whole chicken (typically 4-5 pounds for ideal cooking)
- Vanilla coconut milk (adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the marinade)
- Fresh lime (essential for brightness and acidity in the marinade)
- Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub (the core of our jerk flavor)
- Butter (for basting and achieving that golden, crispy skin)
- Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce (the foundation of our sweet and spicy glaze)
- Honey (to add sweetness and help with caramelization in the glaze)
- Brown sugar (enhances the sweetness and stickiness of the glaze)
- Ingredients for Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice (a crucial accompaniment to balance the flavors)
The journey to an incredibly flavorful jerk chicken begins long before it hits the oven. Either the morning of, or ideally the night before, you’ll prepare your chicken for an extensive marinade. Generously rub the chicken with the aromatic Tropical Jerk Seasoning. Then, place it in a large resealable bag with a vibrant mixture of fresh lime juice and creamy coconut milk. This overnight soak ensures the chicken absorbs all the incredible flavors, resulting in a deeply tender and juicy bird with an authentic Caribbean profile.
Once marinated, prepare your chicken for roasting. Using butcher’s twine, tie the legs together to ensure even cooking and a compact shape. Tuck the wings neatly under the chicken’s body for the same reason. Place the chicken breast-side up on a sturdy baking rack set over a roasting pan. This setup allows for optimal air circulation, promoting crispy skin and even cooking throughout.
Before it goes into the oven, brush the chicken generously with melted butter. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully and adds another layer of rich flavor. Follow this by sprinkling additional Tropical Jerk Seasoning over the buttered skin for an extra burst of spice and aroma. Now, your perfectly prepared chicken is ready for baking.
While your chicken is baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the star of our dish – the vibrant jerk glaze. This sweet and spicy concoction is incredibly easy to make. Simply combine Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce with luscious honey and rich brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugars are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling incredible!
Once prepared, set this glorious Jamaican jerk glaze aside. It will be ready and waiting for its moment to transform your chicken into a caramelized masterpiece when the time is right. The anticipation is part of the fun!
The glazing process is crucial for that signature caramelized finish. About halfway through the chicken’s baking time, generously brush the entire bird with your prepared jerk glaze. As the chicken continues to cook, this delectable glaze will mingle with the savory juices collecting at the bottom of your roasting pan. Don’t let those flavorful juices go to waste! Periodically brush them back over the chicken, or use a baster, every 15 minutes or so. This continuous basting not only keeps the chicken incredibly moist but also builds layers of sticky, sweet, and spicy flavor on the skin.
Precision is key for perfectly cooked chicken. The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. For accurate and instant readings, I highly recommend using a reliable meat thermometer like my Thermapen Mk4. It’s hands down the best meat thermometer I’ve ever owned, providing nearly instantaneous and precise temperature readings, ensuring your chicken is always cooked to perfection.
While your magnificent jerk chicken bakes and caramelizes, use this time efficiently to prepare the essential accompaniment: your Jamaican Coconut Sweet Rice. The rich, tropical flavors of this rice will beautifully complement the bold spice of the chicken, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
The Story Behind Jamaican Coconut Sweet Rice
This particular recipe for Jamaican Coconut Sweet Rice holds a special place in my heart, and it has been a beloved staple on my blog for quite some time. Its inspiration stems from a memorable dining experience at a restaurant within one of my favorite resorts in Jamaica. From the very first spoonful, I was utterly captivated by its unique flavor profile.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of chatting with one of the resort’s vibrant entertainment committee members. He was excitedly telling me about his upcoming trip home to visit his mother. Naturally, I inquired about his favorite dish that his mom prepared, and without hesitation, he described this amazing coconut rice. His heartfelt description immediately resonated with me.
It reminded me so much of the sweet rice my own mother used to make when I was a child, evoking a beautiful sense of nostalgia. However, the addition of toasted coconut in the Jamaican version truly elevated it to another level of deliciousness. The combination of this subtly sweet, aromatic coconut rice alongside the robust and spicy jerk chicken creates a flavor symphony that is truly out of this world! It’s an experience that makes you feel like you’ve captured the very essence of a tropical holiday.
Behold! Isn’t this just the most beautiful, perfectly cooked chicken you’ve ever seen? Fresh out of the oven, golden brown and glistening with that irresistible jerk glaze, it’s a sight to behold and an aroma to savor.
It wasn’t until I reviewed the photos for this very post that I noticed how artfully the chicken seemed to “pose” on its bed of fluffy coconut rice. The unexpected visual made me laugh out loud! It truly looks ready for its close-up, a testament to the dish’s undeniable appeal.
Stay Connected with Spice Isle Sauces & Seasonings Online!
Don’t miss out on more delicious recipes, product updates, and Caribbean inspiration! You can easily find and follow Spice Isle Sauces on their lively social media channels: connect with them on Facebook, get visual inspiration on Instagram, and follow their latest news on Twitter. For even more culinary ideas and to explore their full product range, be sure to visit their official website.
Perhaps you’ll even have the opportunity to meet Steve and Heidi in person! They are often on the road, traveling to numerous festivals and culinary shows across the United States. Always on the go, they enthusiastically promote their fantastic product line and introduce people to the authentic, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean islands. It’s a wonderful chance to experience their passion firsthand and taste the quality of their sauces and rubs.
Ready to Get Your Hands on Spice Isle Seasonings & Sauces?
Eager to bring the authentic taste of the Caribbean into your home? It’s incredibly easy to purchase Spice Isle products. You can order directly from the convenience of the Spice Isle Website, where you’ll find their full range of delicious sauces and rubs. Alternatively, you can also purchase their products through the Buy Nebraska Website, supporting local businesses while savoring global flavors!
If you’re looking for another fantastic way to experience Spice Isle’s incredible products, be sure to check out these Tropical Chicken Nachos with Tropical Salsa. I made them last month using Spice Isle’s Tropical Seasoning Rub & Tropical Tamarind Sauce, and they were an absolute hit! You’re truly going to love the vibrant and fresh flavors of this easy sheet pan recipe.
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Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost in your bookmarks! Be sure to save it for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest board before you leave. Share the deliciousness with your friends and family!
Who’s ready to transform their next meal into a tropical fiesta? I know I certainly am! The vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make this dish a winner for any occasion. Let’s dive right into the full recipe for this irresistible Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken over Sweet Coconut Rice. Happy cooking! 
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Print Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Glazed Chicken
Equipment
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Spice Isle Sauces LLC Products
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Norpro Deluxe Stainless Steel Baster with Injector and Cleaning Brush
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Thermapen Mk4 Instant Read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 – 5- pound whole chicken
- ½ cup vanilla coconut milk
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub + additional for sprinkling
- 4 Tablespoons butter melted
- ¼ cup Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup honey
- Ingredients for Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your chicken for marination. Generously rub the entire chicken with 2 Tablespoons of Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Rub, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Place the seasoned chicken into a large, sturdy resealable bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice and vanilla coconut milk until well combined. Pour this marinade mixture over the chicken in the bag, making sure the chicken is thoroughly submerged and coated. Seal the bag securely and refrigerate it overnight (or for at least 8 hours) to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
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When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). This lower temperature allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a more tender and juicy bird.
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Carefully remove the marinated chicken from the bag, discarding any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on a baking rack positioned over a sturdy roasting pan. For even cooking and a neat presentation, use butcher’s twine to tie the chicken’s legs together and tuck its wings snugly under its body. Brush the chicken generously with the melted butter, then sprinkle with a little more Tropical Jerk Seasoning for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust.
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Place the chicken in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for approximately 20 minutes per pound of chicken. For example, a 5-pound chicken would bake for about 1 hour and 40 minutes in total. This initial baking period will get the chicken cooking before we introduce the glaze.
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While the chicken is baking, prepare your delicious jerk glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, and Spice Isle Tropical Jerk Sauce. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. Set it aside.
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Approximately halfway through the total baking time (e.g., after about 50 minutes for a 5-pound chicken), carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Generously brush the entire chicken with all of the prepared jerk glaze. Return the chicken to the oven. As it continues to cook, the glaze will mix with the delicious juices collecting at the bottom of the baking dish. To maximize flavor and moisture, use a brush or a baster to periodically brush these pan juices and glaze over the chicken every 15 minutes until it is cooked completely. This creates an incredible caramelized crust.
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The chicken is perfectly done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final product.
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Carve the gloriously glazed chicken and serve it immediately over a generous bed of Jamaican Sweet Coconut Rice. Garnish with fresh lime wedges or chopped cilantro for an extra touch of freshness and color. Enjoy your tropical feast!