Description
This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe delivers a vibrant and spicy marinade made from jalapeno peppers, thyme, allspice, and other bold ingredients. Marinated overnight for deep flavor, then grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is perfect for a flavorful main course bursting with authentic Caribbean taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 jalapeno peppers, whole with tops cut off
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice (about half of a large lime)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp allspice
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks), bone in, skin on
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Place the jalapeno peppers, rice vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, dried thyme, salt, garlic powder, and allspice in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade into a gallon sized Ziploc bag. Add the chicken pieces to the bag and remove as much air as possible. Seal the bag and slosh the marinade around to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
- Let marinate: Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate overnight or for as long as possible to develop deep flavors.
- Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor drumsticks and thighs individually as they may cook at different rates.
- Serve: Once cooked thoroughly, plate your Jamaican jerk chicken and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months.
- Removing air from the marinade bag ensures better coating and flavor absorption.
- If you don't have a grill, use a stovetop grill pan or bake chicken at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Always check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, especially since thigh and drumstick sizes vary.
- Marinating overnight maximizes the spicy, tangy, and savory flavors characteristic of Jamaican jerk chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
