Jamaican Jerk Chicken Meatballs

Most Jamaican jerk seasoning blends already contain some dried chilies, so the habanero called for in this recipe is completely optional. If you aren’t a fan of hot and spicy, eliminate the pepper. Otherwise, move on, mon, and enjoy these little jewels.

• Hands-On Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 11 minutes

Yields 16 meatballs


1 pound ground chicken

1 large egg

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup almond meal

1 tablespoon finely diced yellow onion

1 teaspoon finely diced habanero (seeded)

1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning blend

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided

1/2 cup water

1 In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, honey, almond meal, onion, habanero, Jamaican jerk seasoning, and salt. Form into 16 golf ball–sized meatballs. Set aside.

2 Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot® and heat 1 tablespoon oil. Place half the meatballs around the edges of the pot. Sear on all sides for a total of about 4 minutes. Remove the first batch and set aside. Add remaining oil and meatballs and sear 4 minutes. Remove meatballs.

3 Add water to the Instant Pot® and insert steamer basket. Place meatballs evenly on steamer basket. Lock lid.

4 Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust time to 3 minutes. When timer beeps, quick-release pressure until float valve drops and then unlock lid.

5 Transfer meatballs to a bowl and serve.