Grilled Chicken de Bahamas

Grilled Chicken de Bahamas Recipe | Ingredients and Steps

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Chicken de Bahamas is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with a savory tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home.

History

Grilled Chicken de Bahamas is a popular dish in the Bahamas, where it is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The dish is known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (recommended skin-on and bone-in)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 fresh limes or 1 lemon (juice of)
2 tbsp olive oil
0.25 cup bacon (finely diced)
0.5 cup red onion (finely chopped)
0.5 cup green bell pepper strips (thinly sliced)
0.5 cup celery (finely chopped)
2 cup diced canned tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup chicken stock
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
0.5 tsp dried thyme
cooked rice of your choice

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt and pepper and marinate it in lime or lemon juice for at least 15 minutes but no longer than 2 hours.
Prepare the grill while the chicken is marinating.
Grill the chicken over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes on each side or until it is just cooked through.
Remember to keep the skin on the chicken while grilling as it helps to keep it moist.
You can choose to remove the skin after cooking, just before serving.
Meanwhile, while the chicken is grilling, prepare the sauce: heat oil and bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Once the bacon is browned, add the onion, green pepper, and celery, and sauté them, covering the saucepan and reducing the heat to low.
Simmer for about 10 minutes or until everything is tender.
Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with rice.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken in citrus juice for at least 15 minutes to tenderize the meat and add a bright, fresh flavor.

- Keep the skin on the chicken while grilling to help retain moisture and flavor.

- Be sure to cook the chicken until it is just cooked through to ensure it stays juicy and tender.

- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Chicken de Bahamas with a side of cooked rice and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish, but you can also bake or pan-sear the chicken if desired.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon, you can use diced ham or smoked sausage as a substitute.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the sauce with your favorites, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then grill the chicken and finish the sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Grilled Chicken de Bahamas on a platter with the sauce spooned over the top, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a light beer like a pilsner or lager.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Grilled Chicken de Bahamas is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Chicken de Bahamas is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home. With juicy grilled chicken and a savory tomato-based sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Grilled Chicken de Bahamas. It was a warm summer day, and I was walking through the bustling streets of Nassau, Bahamas. The air was filled with the savory aroma of spices and herbs, and my stomach grumbled in anticipation of the delicious meals that awaited me.

As I passed by a small street vendor, I caught a glimpse of a woman cooking up a storm on a makeshift grill. The tantalizing smell of grilled chicken wafted through the air, and I couldn't resist stopping to watch her in action. She was a beautiful Bahamian woman with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye as she expertly seasoned the chicken with a blend of exotic spices.

Intrigued by her culinary skills, I struck up a conversation with her and she graciously invited me to watch her prepare the dish. As she worked her magic on the grill, she shared with me the secret to making the perfect Grilled Chicken de Bahamas. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family, and she was more than happy to pass it on to me.

The key, she explained, was in the marinade. A mixture of fresh garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, and a splash of lime juice created a flavorful blend that tenderized the chicken and infused it with a mouthwatering taste. She also added a dash of allspice and thyme for an extra kick of flavor that was uniquely Bahamian.

After marinating the chicken for several hours, she placed it on the grill and let it cook slowly over a low flame. The smell of the sizzling meat filled the air, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I watched her skillfully turn the chicken to ensure it cooked evenly on all sides.

As the chicken reached a perfect golden brown, she served it up with a side of traditional Bahamian peas and rice and a refreshing mango salsa. The combination of flavors was out of this world, and I savored every bite as I sat at a makeshift table on the side of the road, surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of the Bahamas.

From that moment on, Grilled Chicken de Bahamas became a staple in my own kitchen. I recreated the recipe for my family and friends, sharing the flavors of the Bahamas with those closest to me. Each time I made the dish, I was transported back to that sunny day in Nassau, where I had discovered the magic of Bahamian cuisine.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it my own. I experimented with different herbs and spices, trying out new combinations to enhance the flavors of the dish. And with each variation, the dish only seemed to get better and better.

As word spread of my delicious Grilled Chicken de Bahamas, friends and neighbors began to request the recipe for themselves. I happily shared it with them, passing on the tradition of Bahamian cooking that had been so generously given to me by that kind woman on the streets of Nassau.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing another batch of Grilled Chicken de Bahamas for a family gathering, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that led me to this moment. The memories of that sunny day in the Bahamas will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am forever grateful for the recipe that has brought so much joy and flavor into my life.