Jerk Chicken Recipe

 

Jerk chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish with its roots in Jamaican cuisine. It’s known for its bold and spicy flavor, with a combination of herbs, spices, and a touch of heat. Here’s how you can make your own jerk chicken at home:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Jerk Marinade:

• 2 to 3 green onions, chopped
• 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper or habanero pepper, seeds removed (adjust to your preferred spice level)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jerk Marinade:

• In a food processor or blender, combine all the jerk marinade ingredients: green onions, garlic, pepper, onion, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and lime (or lemon) juice. Blend until you have a smooth paste. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer pepper seeds.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Grill the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
• Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• Grill the marinated chicken pieces, turning occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a nice char and be fully cooked but still juicy.

4. Serve:

• Once the jerk chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve the jerk chicken with your favorite side dishes like rice and peas, coleslaw, or fried plantains. Don’t forget a slice of lime or lemon for an extra burst of flavor!

Enjoy your homemade jerk chicken with its tantalizing blend of spices and heat. It’s a flavorful and vibrant dish that’s sure to become a favorite!