Description
Authentic Caribbean Jerk Chicken features a fragrant, spicy marinade that infuses tender chicken with bold island flavors. Whether grilled or baked, it delivers juicy meat with a crispy, flavorful crust, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or substitute hot chili peppers), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 sliced green onions
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed bag, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your cooking surface: heat grill to medium-high or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If grilling, cook chicken for 30–40 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and skin is crisp.
- If baking, place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 30–40 minutes until fully cooked and crispy.
- Remove chicken from heat and rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with leftover marinade if desired.
Notes
- Adjust heat by varying Scotch bonnet pepper quantity or substituting milder peppers.
- Try pan-searing chicken first, then finish in the oven for crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Add rum or orange juice to marinade for enhanced Caribbean flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
