This iconic dish is renowned for its bold flavors, fiery spices, and irresistible aroma. Marinated in a tantalizing blend of traditional Jamaican seasonings and grilled to perfection, each bite of this juicy and flavorful chicken will have you dreaming of the Caribbean. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or craving a taste of island cuisine any time of year, Jamaican Jerk Chicken is guaranteed to spice up your mealtime!
Recipe for Amazing Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, Jamaican jerk seasoning, dried thyme, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken thighs and drumsticks for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve the Jamaican Jerk Chicken hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of the Caribbean!
Tips:
- For an extra punch of flavor, you can smoke the chicken using wood chips on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Serve the Jamaican Jerk Chicken with traditional side dishes like rice and peas, grilled pineapple, or fried plantains for an authentic Jamaican meal experience.
