Pineapple-Stuffed Jerk Chicken

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Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8

Tropical fruit and spices turn ordinary chicken into a trip to the islands (with a layover in the freezer).

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme

  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice

  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 3 tablespoons sugar

  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

  • 2 cans (20 ounces each) pineapple chunks in juice, drained

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 8 ounces each)

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower

  • Cooked rice, for serving

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine thyme, allspice, cayenne, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; set spice mixture aside. In a medium bowl, stir together pineapple, lime juice, scallions, and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Season stuffing with salt and pepper, and set aside.

  2. Lay chicken flat on a work surface. With a paring knife, cut a 2-inch-long slit in the thick side of each breast; insert knife, and pivot inside chicken without enlarging opening, carefully forming a deep pocket (make sure not to pierce the opposite side). Dividing evenly, tightly pack each breast with stuffing; rub exterior with oil, and sprinkle with spice mixture.

  3. Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; arrange chicken on sheet. Broil until chicken is opaque throughout and an instant-read thermometer inserted into stuffing reads 165 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve stuffed chicken with rice.

Cook's Notes

We've created a simple version of Jamaican jerk seasoning that packs all the punch of the original. Make an extra batch for a quick chicken rub anytime.

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