Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Jamaica with just one bite - our Instant Pot Jerk Chicken does exactly that! This mouthwatering recipe combines the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's so tender and packed with authentic Caribbean spice, your family will think a professional chef has taken over your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Jamaican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and browning.
- Generously coat chicken thighs with jerk seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides of the meat.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil until shimmering.
- Brown chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior, then remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the Instant Pot, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to prevent burning.
- Return chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer.
- Close the lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Remove chicken thighs and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
- Optional: Broil chicken for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin if desired.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum flavor absorption and perfect browning.
- Don't rush the browning process - those caramelized edges are flavor gold!
- Use fresh lime juice at the end to brighten the entire dish and add a zesty finish.
- For extra crispy skin, don't skip the optional broiling step.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor distribution.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the jerk seasoning to your personal spice tolerance.
- Serve with rice or traditional Jamaican sides like rice and peas for an authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
