We love diving into fusion recipes like our Jerk Chicken Burrito that’s packed with bold Jamaican flavors. This dish blends the spicy kick of traditional jerk seasoning—roots tracing back to Jamaica—with the comforting wrap of a burrito for a fresh twist on comfort food.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something exciting yet simple. We’ll show you how to create this mouthwatering meal that brings global tastes right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
To craft our flavorful Jerk Chicken Burrito—a fusion of spicy Jamaican vibes and hearty Mexican-style wraps—we’ve compiled the essential ingredients below. We’ve organized them by preparation stage for seamless cooking, highlighting key items in bold and using italics for prep specifics.
For the Jerk Marinade
Gather these spices and aromatics first to infuse the chicken with bold, smoky flavors:
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and minced (adjust for desired heat level)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Juice of 2 limes
For the Chicken
Select high-quality chicken to ensure juicy, tender results:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
For the Burrito Filling and Assembly
These ingredients build the comforting layers that make our Jerk Chicken Burrito a satisfying meal:
- 4 large flour tortillas (warmed for pliability)
- 1 cup cooked rice (we suggest jasmine rice for its light, fluffy texture)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for a bright, herbaceous finish)
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup sliced red onion for extra crunch and freshness
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Protein (g) | 35 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 55 |
| Fat (g) | 30 |
| Sodium (mg) | 800 |
Tools and Equipment
Having gathered our vibrant ingredients for the Jerk Chicken Burrito, we now turn to the essential tools that help us craft this flavorful fusion dish with ease and precision. From marinating the chicken to grilling and assembling the burritos, these items ensure a smooth cooking process while enhancing safety and efficiency.
To get started, here’s a curated list of the key tools we’ll need:
- Chef’s knife: Essential for finely chopping ingredients like green onions, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and ginger to create our bold jerk marinade.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for all prep work, preventing slips and ensuring we handle fresh produce safely.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining marinade components such as soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, and lime juice with the chicken for even coating.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate measurements of ingredients like brown sugar and soy sauce, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors in our jerk seasoning.
- Grill or grill pan: Our go-to for achieving that smoky, charred finish on the chicken thighs or breasts, infusing them with authentic Jamaican flair.
- Skillet or frying pan: Useful for searing the chicken if a grill isn’t available, or for quickly heating fillings like black beans and jasmine rice.
- Tongs: Help us flip and handle the chicken safely during cooking, ensuring even browning without piercing the meat.
- Spatula: Perfect for stirring mixtures and assembling burritos with large flour tortillas, keeping everything tidy.
- Baking sheet: If oven-baking the chicken, this allows for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Aids in wrapping burritos for a quick warm-up or storage, maintaining their fresh texture.
With these tools in hand, we’re fully equipped to transform our ingredients into a mouthwatering Jerk Chicken Burrito that delivers bold tastes and satisfying textures.
Instructions
Now that we have our vibrant ingredients and essential tools lined up, let’s walk through the steps to create our mouthwatering Jerk Chicken Burrito. We’ll make it straightforward and efficient, ensuring bold, spicy flavors shine in every bite.
Prep
Before we dive into cooking, we prepare our ingredients to streamline the process. Start by gathering and prepping the key components: finely chop 4 green onions and 2 scotch bonnet peppers (wear gloves for the peppers to avoid irritation), mince 4 garlic cloves and a 1-inch piece of ginger, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice, drain and rinse a 15-ounce can of black beans, slice 1 ripe avocado, and shred 2 cups of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. We also measure out 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cutting them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. This setup ensures everything is ready, allowing us to focus on building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture.
Make the Jerk Marinade
Next, we craft the heart of our Jerk Chicken Burrito—the jerk marinade that infuses the chicken with fiery, aromatic notes. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground allspice, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, the juice of 2 limes, and the chopped green onions, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and ginger we prepped earlier. We whisk everything together vigorously until it forms a smooth, fragrant paste that packs a punch of heat and sweetness. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to meld the flavors, creating a marinade that’s bold and versatile—perfect for transforming ordinary chicken into a spicy, Jamaican-inspired delight.
Cook the Chicken
With our jerk marinade ready, we move on to cooking the chicken for that juicy, charred exterior and tender interior. First, add the 1.5 lbs of chicken pieces to the mixing bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring every piece is covered for maximum flavor absorption. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper taste). When ready, heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, using tongs to flip, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a smoky, caramelized crust. For an indoor option, use a skillet with a bit of oil and sear for the same time, releasing irresistible aromas that fill the kitchen and promise a burst of spicy, savory goodness in every morsel.
Assemble the Burrito
Finally, we assemble our Jerk Chicken Burrito to bring all the elements together into a satisfying, handheld meal. Warm 4 large flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side to make them pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and layer on 1/2 cup cooked jasmine rice, 1/4 cup black beans, the grilled jerk chicken, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and a handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Add optional extras like diced tomatoes or sliced red onion for extra crunch. We fold the sides in and roll tightly to seal, then grill the burrito seam-side down for 2 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the exterior, resulting in a warm, textural masterpiece that balances spicy heat with creamy, fresh elements for an unforgettable eating experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our Jerk Chicken Burrito preparation and make it perfect for busy weeknights, we can prep key components in advance without compromising on bold flavors or juicy texture. This approach allows us to marinate, cook, and assemble elements ahead of time, ensuring a quick assembly when you’re ready to eat.
Preparing the Jerk Marinade and Chicken
We recommend starting with the jerk marinade and chicken, as these form the heart of the dish. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Marinate the chicken: Combine the green onions, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl to create the marinade. Add 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring even coating. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the spicy, aromatic flavors to deeply infuse the meat, resulting in tender, charred perfection when grilled.
- Storage tip: Transfer the marinated chicken to an airtight container or sealed bag. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, maintaining its vibrant taste and moisture.
Cooking Rice and Beans in Advance
Rice and beans are straightforward to prepare ahead, freeing up time for grilling and assembly.
- Cook the jasmine rice: Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice, then boil it according to package instructions. Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water and microwave for 1-2 minutes to restore its fluffy, fragrant texture.
- Prep the black beans: Drain and rinse a 15-oz can of black beans, then heat them in a skillet with a pinch of salt. Let them cool and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This step enhances their creamy consistency, ready to pair with the bold jerk chicken.
For a quick reference on make-ahead timelines and storage, here’s a summary in the table below:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerk Marinade and Chicken | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Grill directly from fridge; cook to internal temp of 165°F |
| Jasmine Rice | Up to 3 days | Airtight container in fridge | Microwave with water; stir for even heating |
| Black Beans | Up to 3 days | Sealed container in fridge | Reheat in skillet with a little oil for added crispness |
Prepping Vegetables and Add-Ins
Fresh elements like vegetables can be chopped and ready to go, preserving their crisp, vibrant appeal.
- Chop vegetables: Dice tomatoes, slice red onions, and mash avocados (sprinkle with lime juice to prevent browning). Store these in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps their fresh, zesty crunch intact for burrito assembly.
- Assemble partial burritos (optional): If you’re planning ahead for meals, layer cooked rice, beans, and prepped veggies into flour tortillas, but hold off on adding the chicken and cheese until serving. Wrap individually in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready, add the grilled chicken and warm the burrito for a golden, crispy exterior.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Jerk Chicken Burrito remains a flavorful, convenient option that brings global tastes to your table with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this jerk chicken burrito recipe as a fun way to spice up your meals. It’s our go-to for blending bold flavors with everyday ease, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Give it a try and you’ll see how it adds excitement to your table—we’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy the fusion adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jerk Chicken Burrito?
A Jerk Chicken Burrito is a fusion dish that blends Jamaican jerk seasoning with the classic burrito format. It features spicy, flavorful chicken marinated in herbs and spices, wrapped in a tortilla with rice, beans, avocado, and fresh toppings. This recipe offers a simple way to bring global tastes to your table, perfect for busy weeknights.
What ingredients are needed for Jerk Chicken Burrito?
You’ll need about 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, jerk marinade ingredients like green onions, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, and lime juice, plus fillings such as jasmine rice, black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, and large flour tortillas. Optional add-ins include diced tomatoes and red onion.
What tools and equipment are required to make this recipe?
Essential tools include a chef’s knife, cutting board, large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a grill or grill pan for cooking the chicken, a skillet for other components, tongs, a spatula, and a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. These help ensure safe and efficient preparation.
How do I prepare Jerk Chicken Burrito?
Start by prepping ingredients: chop veggies, make the jerk marinade, and marinate the chicken. Grill the chicken until charred and juicy. Cook rice and beans, then assemble by layering everything in warmed tortillas. Grill the burritos for a crispy finish. The whole process takes about 45-60 minutes.
Can I make Jerk Chicken Burrito ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container. Prep rice, beans, and chopped veggies ahead, keeping them refrigerated. Assemble burritos partially in advance, adding chicken and cheese just before serving to maintain texture and flavor for easy weeknight meals.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving of Jerk Chicken Burrito?
Each serving has about 650 calories, 35g of protein, 55g of carbohydrates, 30g of fat, and 800mg of sodium. It’s a balanced meal with protein from chicken and carbs from rice, but adjust portions for dietary needs. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized advice.