Jamaican Jerk Chicken: A Spicy and Flavorful Caribbean Delight

Jamaican Jerk Chicken: A Spicy and Flavorful Caribbean Delight

Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a vibrant and mouth-watering dish, featuring chicken marinated in a spicy mix of herbs and spices. The marinade typically includes allspice, thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers, which gives the dish its distinctive heat and flavor. Jerk refers to a style of cooking native to Jamaica in which meat is dry-rubbed or wet-marinated with a hot spice mixture. Traditionally, the chicken is grilled over pimento wood, giving it a smoky taste, but it can also be baked or pan-seared for convenience.

Ingredients:
Chicken
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 4 chicken drumsticks

Marinade
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tablespoon ground allspice
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1/2 small onion, chopped
– 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, ground allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, vegetable oil, green onions, chopped onion, and ginger. Blend until you have a smooth marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
3. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.
7. Grill the chicken for about 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve
8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve with traditional sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, or a fresh green salad for a complete Caribbean meal.

Enjoy your flavorful and spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken, a perfect dish to bring some Caribbean heat to your table!