Flavors of the Caribbean abound in the irresistible Jamaican jerk chicken. If you want to take a bite out of the sun and enjoy the flavors of Jamaica for dinner, try this recipe. It has the right amount of heat, smoke, and spices. If you’re looking for a recipe for jerk chicken that can compete with the best, go no further.

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours (including marinating time)

Servings: 4

Jamaican jerk chicken Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Cooking

1. Prepare the Marinade:
• In a spice grinder, combine the allspice berries and black peppercorns and grind until fine. Transfer to a blender.
• Add dried thyme, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne pepper, and paprika to the blender.
• Pour in soy sauce, vegetable oil, white vinegar, orange juice, and lime juice. Add minced garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, onion, green onions, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
• Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be charred and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Serving

Serve the jerk chicken hot off the grill. Pair it with traditional Jamaican sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, or a refreshing mango salsa.

Nutrition Facts per serving

Tips and Variations

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or substitute them with milder chili peppers.
• Oven Option: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.
• Add a Smoky Flavor: For an authentic jerk taste, use pimento wood or add a few soaked wood chips to your grill.
• Vegetarian Option: Use the same marinade on tofu or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian jerk dish.

Conclusion

Making jerk chicken to perfection is simpler than you might imagine. Indulge in a little bit of the Caribbean without leaving your house with this delicious Jamaican jerk chicken recipe. Whatever the occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its robust tastes and lively spices. Get the grill going and prepare to enjoy every mouthful of this famous Jamaican treat.