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jerk chicken recipe

Jerk Chicken Recipe

Discover the perfect jerk chicken recipe for a taste of the Caribbean. Easy steps, vibrant flavors, and expert tips included!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • A blender or food processor for the marinade
  • A large bowl for marinating the chicken
  • A grill or oven, because we’re going to char these beauties
  • Meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked perfectly

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces Chicken thighs bone-in
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme
  • 2 Scotch bonnet peppers seeded
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons Ginger freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons Lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Marinade

  • Combine thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper in a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Pro Tip: Wear gloves when handling Scotch bonnet peppers to avoid skin irritation.

Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them.
  • Ensure each piece is well-coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Note: The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.

Step 3 – Grill the Chicken

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Warning: Keep an eye on the grill as the marinade can cause flare-ups.

Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Fact: Jerk cooking style originated from the Maroons, escaped African slaves who settled in Jamaica.

Notes

  • For a less spicy version, remove the seeds from the Scotch bonnet peppers.
  • If grilling isn’t an option, oven-roasting at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes works great too.
Keyword Jerk Chicken Recipe