Grilled Jerk Chicken Thighs with Sweet Corn
Smoky Jamaican-style jerk chicken thighs hit the grill with sweet corn for a fast, spicy-sweet late-spring dinner for two.
Ingredients
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Draper Valley Boneless Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs1 lb $6.99
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Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob2 ears $1.25
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Green Onions4 green onions, divided $1.50
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Fresh Organic Lime1 lime, zested and juiced $1.50
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Garlic3 cloves, minced $0.79
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Ginger Root1 tablespoon grated $4.99
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Fresh Habanero Peppers1/2 to 1 pepper, seeded and minced $7.99
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Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Soy sauce1 tablespoon
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Brown sugar1 teaspoon
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Ground allspice1 teaspoon
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Dried thyme1 teaspoon
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Smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon
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Ground cinnamon1/8 teaspoon
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon, divided
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Black pepper1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates; shuck the corn, mince 3 green onions, thinly slice the remaining green onion for garnish, mince the garlic and habanero, grate the ginger, and zest and juice the lime.
- In a bowl, mix the minced green onions, garlic, ginger, habanero, lime zest, half the lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, smoked paprika, cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry, coat them thoroughly in the jerk marinade, and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while the grill finishes heating.
- Rub the corn with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, covered if using an outdoor grill, until well charred in spots and the thickest part reaches 165°F; transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
- While the chicken rests, grill the corn for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often, until tender and lightly charred; brush or drizzle with the remaining lime juice.
- Plate the jerk chicken thighs with the grilled sweet corn, scatter sliced green onion over the top, and spoon any resting juices from the chicken over the plate.
Total time: 50 minutes
Estimated cost: About $13–$17 using the listed chicken thighs, sweet corn, green onions, lime, garlic, ginger, and habanero, plus pantry spices.
Health notes: Serves 2 at roughly 540 calories per serving, with high protein, moderate fat, and fiber from the sweet corn.
Drink pairing: A lightly sweet Riesling cools the jerk heat while matching the charred corn’s sweetness.