Jerk Chicken is a bold, smoky, and spicy Jamaican classic, packed with aromatic spices, heat from Scotch bonnet peppers, and the sweetness of allspice and brown sugar. Every bite is juicy, fiery, and full of tropical island flavor! 🇯🇲🔥🍗
🕒 Time: 1 hour (plus marination)
🍽 Serves: 4
🌟 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 kg chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Jerk Marinade:
- 3–4 green onions (roughly chopped)
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros, adjust to your spice level)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
🔪 Instructions:
- Blend the Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, combine all the marinade ingredients and blend into a smooth paste. - Marinate the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry. Toss it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and then coat thoroughly with the jerk marinade.
Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours—overnight is best for maximum flavor! - Cook the Chicken:
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for 30–40 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes and brushing with extra marinade (only during the first half of cooking).
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake chicken on a lined tray for 35–45 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Optional Finish:
For extra charred flavor, place cooked chicken under the broiler (grill setting) for 3–5 minutes at the end. - Serve:
Garnish with lime wedges and chopped green onions.
🍽️ Great with:
- Coconut rice or rice and peas
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Fried plantains
- Simple cucumber salad
💡 Tips:
- No Scotch bonnet peppers? Use habanero or a mix of jalapeños and cayenne pepper for heat.
- Always use gloves when handling hot peppers!
- Add a splash of orange juice to the marinade for a subtle fruity twist.
Jerk Chicken delivers smoky heat, deep flavor, and a true taste of the Caribbean! 🇯🇲🌴
Would you like a Jerk Chicken Wings version too that’s perfect for parties? 🎉🍗
