The Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Who doesn’t love jerk chicken?  This jerk chicken recipe will rival any that you’ll get in Jamaica. This recipe is the best one that you’re going to find.  People absolutely LOVE when I make jerk chicken recipe for gatherings.  It is perfectly sweet, salty, and savory.  This recipe is super easy because everything goes into a blender or food processor and all you’ll need to do is pour the marinade over your chicken and then let the marinade do its work.  Pair it with Corn and Mango Salsa.

History of Jerk Chicken Recipe:

Jerk chicken recipe is a traditional Jamaican dish that is believed to have originated with the indigenous Arawak people who lived on the island before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. The Arawak people used a cooking technique called “barbacoa” (barbecue) to slow-cook meat over an open flame.

When African slaves were brought to Jamaica in the 17th century, they brought their own cooking traditions and spices with them. They adapted the barbacoa cooking method and started marinating meat in a mixture of spices, including allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme. This mixture was then cooked over an open flame, producing the unique and flavorful dish we know as jerk chicken recipe.

Jerk chicken was originally a street food, sold by vendors in Jamaica. It gained popularity in the 1960s when tourism to Jamaica increased, and visitors from around the world discovered the delicious and spicy dish. Today, jerk chicken recipe is enjoyed worldwide and has become a staple in many Caribbean and Jamaican restaurants.

In addition to its rich history and cultural significance, jerk chicken recipe is also celebrated for its health benefits. The spices used in jerk seasoning are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a nutritious and flavorful dish to enjoy.

Ingredients For Jerk Chicken Recipe:

4 lbs of chicken

Jerk Chicken Marinade:

1 medium onion

1 bunch green onions

3 habaneros

2 inches of fresh ginger 

6 cloves garlic

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup soy sauce

½ cup oil

¼ cup white vinegar

¼ cup lime juice

1 ½ tbs salt

3 tbs dried thyme

3 tbs allspice

Instructions For Jerk Chicken Recipe:

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken in a 9×13 dish or large bowl.
2. Make the marinade: In a blender or food processor, add all the ingredients for the marinade and puree until smooth.
3. Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
4. Cook the chicken: If using a grill, use cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees. You can also cook the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Using Wood Chips for Jamaican Jerk Chicken:

Traditionally, Jamaican jerk chicken is cooked over an open flame using pimento wood, which is a type of wood that is native to Jamaica and has a distinct smoky flavor. Pimento wood chips can be difficult to find outside of Jamaica, but other types of wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, can be used as a substitute.

When using wood chips, you’ll need to create a smoker box. This can be done by placing the wood chips in a foil packet with a few holes poked in it to allow smoke to escape. The smoker box can then be placed on the grill or in the oven alongside the chicken, infusing it with the smoky flavor.

It’s important to note that using wood chips is optional and may not be necessary to achieve great results with Jamaican jerk chicken. However, if you’re looking to add a smoky twist to the dish, using wood chips can be a fun and flavorful option to try.

Personally, I like to use a mix of hickory and apple wood.

Tips For Jerk Chicken Recipe:

1. Marinate the chicken overnight: To get the most flavor out of your jerk chicken, it’s important to marinate it for at least 24 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor.
2. Adjust the spice level: Jamaican jerk chicken is known for its spicy flavor, but you can adjust the heat to your liking. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of scotch bonnet peppers or use a milder pepper variety.
3. Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks, is ideal for jerk chicken as it helps keep the meat moist and tender.
4. Serve with traditional sides: Jerk chicken is often served with traditional sides such as rice and peas, plantains, or roasted vegetables. You can also try pairing it with a fresh and fruity salsa, such as corn and mango salsa, to balance out the spice.

Variations Of Jerk Chicken Recipe:

While traditional Jamaican jerk chicken is delicious on its own, there are many variations and ways to put your own twist on this classic dish. Here are a few ideas:

1. Jerk chicken wings: Instead of using larger cuts of chicken, try making jerk chicken wings. Simply coat the wings in the jerk marinade and bake them in the oven or grill them until crispy and golden brown.
2. Jerk chicken tacos: Shred the jerk chicken and serve it in a taco with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal.
3. Jerk chicken salad: Slice the jerk chicken and serve it on top of a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a healthy and delicious salad.
4. Jerk chicken burgers: Mix ground chicken with jerk seasoning and form it into burger patties. Grill the patties and serve them on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite toppings.
5. Jerk chicken skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers. Grill or bake the skewers and serve them as a fun and easy-to-eat appetizer.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to make the dish your own. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, there’s a variation of jerk chicken that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

FAQ’s Of Jerk Chicken Recipe:

What is jerk seasoning made of?

Jerk seasoning typically includes a blend of spices such as allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and thyme, as well as scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, onions, and soy sauce. However, the exact blend of spices can vary depending on the recipe.

How spicy is Jamaican jerk chicken?

Jamaican jerk chicken is known for its spicy flavor, which comes from the use of scotch bonnet peppers. Scotch bonnets are among the hottest peppers in the world, but you can adjust the level of heat by using fewer peppers or substituting them with a milder variety.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

To get the most flavor out of your jerk chicken, it’s recommended to marinate it for at least 24 hours. However, you can marinate it for up to 48 hours for even more flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken for jerk chicken?

While bone-in chicken is traditional for jerk chicken, you can also use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, or you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.

What are some traditional side dishes to serve with jerk chicken?

Traditional side dishes to serve with jerk chicken include rice and peas, plantains, roasted vegetables, or corn and mango salsa. However, you can also serve it with your favorite side dishes to create a complete meal.

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