Ultimate Jerk Chicken with Clementine-Cilantro Salad

Jerk Chicken is a delectable Jamaican dish famous for its bold and spicy flavors. Infused with an aromatic blend of allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, the jerk seasoning brings a beautiful kick to the tender chicken. Served with a refreshing clementine and cilantro salad, this dish captures the essence of the Caribbean with a vibrant mix of spicy, sweet, and citrusy flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Jerk Chicken:
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tablespoon ground allspice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 scotch bonnet peppers, deseeded and finely chopped (use less for milder heat)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Juice of 1 lime

For the Clementine-Cilantro Salad:
– 4 clementines, peeled and segmented
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Jerk Chicken:
1. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, thyme leaves, ground allspice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and chopped scotch bonnet peppers.
2. Add the soy sauce, vegetable oil, and lime juice to the spice mixture, stirring well to form a thick paste.
3. Rub the spice paste all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better flavor.

Cooking the Jerk Chicken:
1. Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. If using an oven, place the chicken on a lined baking tray and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.

Preparing the Clementine-Cilantro Salad:
1. In a large bowl, combine the clementine segments, red onion slices, and fresh cilantro leaves.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Toss gently to combine.
3. Season the salad with a pinch of salt, to taste.

Serving the Dish:
– Arrange the jerk chicken on a platter and serve alongside the vibrant clementine-cilantro salad. Enjoy the flavorful combination of spicy jerk chicken and refreshing salad for a delightful culinary experience!