Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of the Caribbean? Ever wondered how to nail that authentic jerk chicken recipe you always crave? Well, look no further! This recipe will give you the spicy, smoky, and all-around amazing Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken flavour you've been searching for.

Brief Overview

This recipe hails straight from the heart of Jamaica. The Caribbean Chicken Recipe brings with it generations of flavour. It's a medium difficulty recipe.

This jerk chicken recipe takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 day 1 hour 30 mins including marinating time.

It yields six servings.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the biggest benefit? The flavour! Plus, it's packed with protein. This is the perfect spicy chicken recipe for a summer BBQ.

What makes it special? It's got that real Scotch Bonnet Pepper Recipe heat, balanced with sweet and savory spices. You know?

Let's dive into what you need!

What you'll need for the Best Jerk Chicken Recipe

This list might look long. Don't worry! Most of these are spices you probably have already. Or can easily pick up.

For that incredible Jerk Marinade:

• 6 scallions (green onions), roughly chopped
• 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and minced
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

And of course, the star of the show... Chicken!

• 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Thighs and drumsticks are best for this Grilled Jerk Chicken .

Essential bits and bobs

You'll need a food processor or blender. A large bowl or zip-top bag for marinating the chicken. You'll also need a grill or oven.

Last but not least, a meat thermometer. You need to know when it's cooked, innit?

I remember once trying to make this recipe without a food processor. Big mistake! Everything was chunky. The Jerk Marinade Recipe wasn't the same.

I had to start again. Learn from my mistakes!

This Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe will become your new favourite. Give it a bash! I can assure you it's totally worth it and after you prepare your own Homemade Jerk Seasoning , you can make other recipes like Oven Baked Jerk Chicken .

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Cook!

Want to try the best jerk chicken recipe ? Then, you'll need the right kit. Don't worry. It's not rocket science.

Let's break down what you need. And remember, Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken is all about flavor.

Main Ingredients: The Flavour Bomb

Here’s what you need to make a truly spicy chicken recipe that will transport you to the islands.

• 6 scallions, chopped (about 1 cup, 100g ). Look for firm ones.
• 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers, minced (to taste!). These are HOT. Handle with care. Seriously. If you want to make a Jerk Marinade Recipe this is the key.
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup, 150g ). Any onion will do.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons, 12g ). Fresh is best.
• 1 inch piece ginger, grated (about 1 tablespoon, 15g ).
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce ( 30ml ).
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ( 30ml ).
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ( 30ml ).
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed ( 25g ).
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice ( 7g ). This is essential.
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme ( 3g ).
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( 2g ).
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ( 1g ).
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ( 1g ).
• 1 teaspoon black pepper ( 2g ).
• 1 teaspoon salt ( 5g ).
• 3 lbs ( 1.4 kg ) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Thighs and drumsticks work well for Grilled Jerk Chicken or Oven Baked Jerk Chicken .

Seasoning Notes: Unleash the Flavour

This Caribbean Chicken Recipe relies on a delicate balance. Allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers are crucial. They create the unique jerk seasoning recipe taste.

No scotch bonnets? Use habaneros, but very carefully. For allspice, try a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Here’s the gear you'll need. You don’t need fancy stuff.

• Food processor or blender. For making the marinade.
• Large bowl or zip-top bag. For marinating.
• Grill or oven. Your choice.
• Meat thermometer. To ensure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

That’s it! With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to make amazing Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe . Grab them and lets cooking this amazing Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken together! It's going to be epic.

Unleash the Heat: Mastering the Jerk Chicken Recipe

Fancy a trip to the Caribbean without leaving your kitchen? Well, this jerk chicken recipe is your ticket. Forget bland chicken dinners we're diving headfirst into a flavour bomb! Honestly, even if you think you can't cook, this recipe is surprisingly easy.

Prep Steps: Your Jerk Journey Starts Here

Essential mise en place ? Think organised chaos! Chop your 6 scallions , mince those fiery 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers (handle with care, seriously!), chop the 1 medium onion , mince the 4 cloves of garlic , grate the 1 inch piece of ginger .

Got it? Good.

Time saving organization tips ? Prep the marinade the night before. It saves time and lets the flavours meld like they're at a flavor party.

Safety reminders ? Those Scotch bonnets are no joke! Wear gloves when handling them unless you want your hands feeling like they're on fire.

Seriously, been there, done that, bought the aloe vera.

From Prep to Plate: The Jerk Chicken Recipe Process

1. Blitz the Marinade: In a food processor, chuck in all the marinade ingredients: scallions, Scotch bonnets, onion, garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 2 tablespoons vegetable oil , 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar , 2 tablespoons brown sugar , 1 tablespoon ground allspice , 1 tablespoon dried thyme , 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon , ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg , ½ teaspoon ground cloves , 1 teaspoon black pepper , and 1 teaspoon salt . Whizz it all up until it's a smooth ish paste.
2. Marinate Like a Pro: Slather that gorgeous marinade all over the 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces . Make sure every nook and cranny is coated. Chuck it in a bowl or zip-top bag and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours , but preferably overnight. The longer, the better. It's like giving the chicken a flavour spa day.
3. Preheat Time: Get your grill up to medium high heat (375° F/ 190° C ) or your oven preheated to 375° F ( 190° C) .
4. Cook it Right:
   • Grill: Grill, turn regularly, until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . That’s roughly 45- 60 minutes .
   • Bake: Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 45- 60 minutes , until the magic 165° F ( 74° C) is reached. Broil briefly for crispy skin.
5. Rest and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute.

Pro Tips for Jerk Chicken Nirvana

Want to elevate your Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken game? Here's how:

• Spice Control: Scotch bonnets are HOT! Start small. You can always add more heat, but you can't take it away.
• Don't Crowd the Grill: Give the chicken space on the grill for even cooking and gorgeous char marks.
• make-ahead Magic: Jerk marinade keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Make a big batch!

So there you have it, folks. My foolproof Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe ! Get in the kitchen and make this happen.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Whether you prefer Grilled Jerk Chicken or Oven Baked Jerk Chicken , the fantastic flavours of the Caribbean Chicken Recipe will transform your dinner.

And don't forget to pat yourself on the back for mastering this Spicy Chicken Recipe , because you deserve it.

Recipe Notes for the Best Jerk Chicken Recipe

Right then, let's talk shop about this incredible jerk chicken recipe! I've made this Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken more times than I can count.

Honestly, sometimes I dream about it! So, here are some notes to help you nail it.

Ace Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key, innit? Forget fancy Michelin star stuff. Pile your Grilled Jerk Chicken high on a plate. Garnish with some extra scallions.

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think vibrant! Serve with colourful sides. A dollop of mango salsa looks amazing. Trust me.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: Classic rice and peas are a must. So are sweet fried plantains. And a Red Stripe beer? Chef's kiss . You know?

Solid Storage Tips

Life happens. Maybe you made too much (unlikely!). Here's how to keep your Caribbean Chicken Recipe fresh.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftovers? Keep in an airtight container. Fridge is good for 3-4 days , max.
• Freezing Options: Freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw completely before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: Oven or microwave works fine. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Rad Variations

Fancy a change? Or maybe you have dietary needs? No sweat! This Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe is super flexible.

• Dietary Adaptations: For a milder kick, use fewer Scotch Bonnet Pepper Recipe or swap for milder chillies..
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Can't find fresh thyme? Dried thyme is a decent sub. Though, fresh is always better!

Nutrient Know How

I'm no nutritionist, but here's the basic gist of this Spicy Chicken Recipe .

• Simplified Nutrition Information: High in protein. Decent source of vitamins and minerals. Just watch out for the sodium!
• Key Health Benefits: Chicken is a lean protein. Spices have anti inflammatory properties. So, it's practically health food, right?

So there you have it! All my tips and tricks for making this incredible jerk chicken recipe . Give it a go and let me know what you think! I'm telling you, this is the Best Jerk Chicken Recipe you will ever try.

You can even try out the Oven Baked Jerk Chicken method if you want to have less mess. I dare ya to have a crack at making Homemade Jerk Seasoning too.

You got this!