Grilled Jerk Chicken with Summer Zucchini

Fiery, fragrant jerk chicken meets charred zucchini and juicy sweet corn in this vibrant summer grill dinner finished with plenty of fresh lime and cilantro.

  • Total time: 40 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $13
  • Calories per serving: 560 cal
  • Grill

Ingredients

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    1 pound $6.49
  • Organic Zucchini Squash
    12 ounces $2.77
  • Bi-color Corn
    2 ears $0.79
  • Lime
    2 $0.69
  • Organic Garlic
    2 cloves $6.99
  • Cilantro Bunch
    1/4 cup chopped leaves and tender stems $1.19
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Light brown sugar
    2 teaspoons
  • Ground allspice
    1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Dried thyme
    1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    2 1/4 teaspoons
  • Black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat a grill to medium-high, about 425–450°F, and clean the grates. Cut 12 ounces zucchini lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick planks. Husk 2 ears corn.

  2. 2.

    Make the jerk paste by combining:

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • Zest and juice of 1 lime
    • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
    • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Stir until evenly blended.

  3. 3.

    Pat 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs dry and season all over with 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt. Coat thoroughly with the jerk paste and let stand for 10 minutes while the grill finishes heating.

  4. 4.

    Coat the prepared zucchini and corn with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

  5. 5.

    Grill the chicken with the lid closed for 5–6 minutes per side, until lightly charred and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes.

  6. 6.

    At the same time, grill the corn for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, and grill the zucchini for 3–4 minutes per side, until charred and tender. Transfer both to a clean cutting board.

  7. 7.

    Cut the kernels from the grilled corn and slice the grilled zucchini into bite-size pieces. Toss them with the juice of 1 lime and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems to make the summer vegetable side.

  8. 8.

    Divide the lime-cilantro zucchini and corn between two plates. Slice the rested jerk chicken, arrange it alongside the vegetables, and spoon any clean resting juices over the chicken.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling cools the jerk spices while complementing the sweet grilled corn.