Whether you cook it over the grill or stovetop, this meal is summer simplicity on a plate. Smarts: To insure that this simple meal is hearty enough, we increased the amounts of both the protein and vegetable over our typical portion size. You could also serve some chips or rolls (not on the ingredients list) on the side if you know you'll want something more. Cooking methods: This recipe includes instructions for using the grill or stovetop. Select your preferred method.
Jalapenos - 1 , diced, seeds removed for less heat
Shallots - 1 clove , finely diced
Bell peppers, red - 1 , finely diced
Mangos, fresh - 3 , diced
(sub pineapple or oranges)
Cilantro, fresh - 3 Tbsp , chopped
Lime juice - 1 Tbsp
Coriander Zucchini Spears:
Zucchini - 1 1/2 lbs , spears
Oil, cooking - 1 Tbsp
Coriander, ground - 2 tsp
Cumin, ground - 1/4 tsp
Choose Cooking Method
Prep
Make marinade - Whisk together Jerk / Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil (portion for chicken). (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Marinate chicken - (If prepping right before cooking, get grill heating while chicken marinates.) Add chicken to marinade and tenderize with a fork. Marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 day. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
Jalapenos / Shallots / Bell peppers / Zucchini - Prep as directed. Combine jalapenos, shallots, and bell peppers. Store zucchini separately. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Season with some salt and pepper.
Heat grill to 425F / 218C degrees, keeping one part over direct heat and one part over indirect heat.
Brush grates with some oil and place chicken and zucchini over direct heat. Sear on all sides until lightly charred.
Move chicken to indirect heat and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more (165F / 74C degrees). (Zucchini may already be tender, but if not, move it to indirect heat and continue cooking as well.)
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Taste salsa and season with some salt or sugar if needed. (A pinch of sugar might be good if the mangos aren’t naturally sweet.)
Serve chicken and zucchini with salsa over top. Enjoy!
Prep
Make marinade - Whisk together Jerk / Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil (portion for chicken). (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Marinate chicken - Add chicken to marinade and tenderize with a fork. Marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 day. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
Jalapenos / Shallots / Bell peppers / Zucchini - Prep as directed. Combine jalapenos, shallots, and bell peppers. Store zucchini separately. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Season with some salt and pepper.
Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with some cooking oil. Add zucchini and sear on all sides until tender (do this in batches if needed). Set aside.
If the pan looks dry, add some more oil and then chicken. Sear until both sides are deep golden brown, ~3 minutes per side. Cover with a lid or foil and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes (until chicken reaches 165F / 74C degrees).
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Taste salsa and season with some salt or sugar if needed. (A pinch of sugar might be good if the mangos aren’t naturally sweet.)
Serve chicken and zucchini with salsa over top. Enjoy!