Description
Authentic Caribbean jerk chicken is a flavorful dish from Jamaica, featuring chicken marinated in a spicy blend of herbs and spices known as jerk seasoning, then grilled or smoked for a deliciously charred exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
- Jerk seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
- Scallions: 4, chopped
- Lime juice: 1/4 cup, fresh
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Allspice: 1 teaspoon, ground
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on pieces (legs and thighs recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining jerk seasoning, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped scallions, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Marinate the chicken by adding the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Grill the chicken skin-side down for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with reserved chopped scallions and serve with traditional sides like rice and peas, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less jerk seasoning or fresh peppers.
- Grilling is preferred for authentic flavor, but baking at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes is a good alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: jerk chicken, Caribbean cuisine, Jamaican food, grilled chicken, spicy chicken