Grilled Jerk Chicken with Summer Zucchini

A fast Jamaican-inspired jerk chicken dinner with smoky grilled zucchini and sweet Washington summer corn brightened with 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
    1 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 3/4 teaspoon 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 1/2 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.