Mastering Spicy-Sweet: Quick Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa & Cold Stone’s Tall, Dark & Delicious Cake for Father’s Day
Experience a flavor explosion with this spicy and sweet grilled Jerk Chicken, perfectly complemented by a vibrant Pineapple Salsa. And for the grand finale? You’ll be craving the Tall, Dark & Delicious ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth.
This post is sponsored by Cold Stone Creamery. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.
Can you believe that Father’s Day is almost here? The arrival of this special day always seems to sneak up on me! If you’re like me, finding the perfect gift for Dad can be quite the challenge, especially when he already seems to have everything he needs. My own father, for instance, is notoriously difficult to shop for. He appreciates a fine bottle of wine, and honestly, at this stage in his life, it’s often what he specifically requests. While it might feel like an easy solution, sometimes the best gifts are those that are truly desired.
As for my husband, it’s a completely different story. Our lives have been a whirlwind of activity lately, leaving little time for elaborate gift planning. It feels a bit negligent to be just days away from Father’s Day without a present, doesn’t it? However, there’s one thing I’m absolutely certain about for his celebration: dessert! This year, we’re indulging in the truly irresistible Tall, Dark, & Delicious ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect sweet ending to any celebratory meal.
A Sensation of Flavor: Quick Jerk Chicken with Zesty Pineapple Salsa
Imagine the vibrant, robust flavors of authentic jerk chicken, but without the hours of marinating typically required. This recipe delivers all the bold, aromatic spice you crave in just an hour, making it an ideal choice for a busy weekend or a spontaneous gathering. And what better way to balance that fiery kick than with a burst of sweet, tangy freshness? That’s where our incredible Pineapple Salsa comes in. You might remember the Grilled Pineapple Salsa recipe I shared recently – it’s the perfect topping for this chicken, transforming each bite into a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
Jerk seasoning, hailing from Jamaica, is renowned for its unique blend of spices, most notably allspice and scotch bonnet peppers (we’re using habanero here for a similar heat profile). This combination creates a complex flavor profile that is both intensely savory and wonderfully aromatic. Our quick marinade ensures the chicken breasts absorb enough of this incredible seasoning to develop a deep, satisfying flavor, even with a shorter marinating time. It’s a game-changer for weeknight meals or when you decide to fire up the grill last minute.
The beauty of this dish lies in the contrast. The heat from the jerk chicken is beautifully tempered by the cool, sweet, and slightly acidic pineapple salsa. The pineapple’s natural sweetness highlights the savory undertones of the chicken, creating a truly irresistible pairing. It’s a fantastic meal to throw on the grill this weekend, especially if you’re looking to impress Dad with a homemade feast that feels exotic yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Grilling to Perfection: Tips for Juicy Jerk Chicken
Achieving perfectly grilled chicken is key to this recipe’s success. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are pounded to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy. Before placing the chicken on the grill, make sure your grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature. You want enough heat to get a nice sear and char, but not so much that the outside burns before the inside cooks through.
Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Discard any remaining marinade that came into contact with the raw chicken. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat. Top generously with the fresh pineapple salsa, and get ready for rave reviews!
The Grand Finale: Cold Stone Creamery’s Tall, Dark & Delicious Cake
After savoring the spicy goodness of our Jerk Chicken, a rich, cooling dessert is exactly what’s needed, and Cold Stone Creamery has delivered magnificently with their limited-edition Tall, Dark & Delicious cake. This isn’t just any ice cream cake; it’s a masterpiece designed to delight. Each slice offers layers of moist Devil’s Food Cake, creamy Sweet Cream Ice Cream blended with decadent brownies, and rich Chocolate Ice Cream packed with crushed OREO® Cookies. All of this is elegantly wrapped in fluffy White Frosting and finished with a cascade of sumptuous Fudge Ganache.
It’s truly a cake that Dad – and the entire family – will adore. The generous size means there’s plenty to go around, making it perfect for a family celebration. This special Father’s Day cake is available in stores for a limited time, usually until mid-June (check your local Cold Stone Creamery for exact dates, often around June 19th). To ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible treat, I highly recommend ordering your cake ahead of time online at https://coldstonecakes.com. This way, you can pick it up at your convenience and have one less thing to worry about on Father’s Day weekend.
So, this Father’s Day, fire up the grill and create a memorable dinner with our Jerk Chicken and Pineapple Salsa. Then, cool down with the ultimate dessert: a slice of the Tall, Dark & Delicious ice cream cake. It’s a meal that promises an unforgettable culinary experience, blending exciting flavors with pure indulgence. This combination is sure to make the whole family happy and Dad feel truly celebrated!
Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
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Ingredients
- 1 bunch green onions roughly chopped, (about 1 cup)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, roughly chopped
- 1 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 bay leaves, crumbled
- 1 small habanero pepper, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Topping
- Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Instructions
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In a blender or food processor, add all of the ingredients for the jerk marinade, except the chicken. Process until smooth. Pour into a zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken, seal, and massage to make sure chicken is well coated. Place in fridge for 1 hour.
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Heat grill to medium-high heat.
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Place chicken on the grill (discard the marinade), and grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving with Pineapple Salsa.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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