Best & Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe

Jerk chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. This easy recipe ensures you get that authentic jerk flavor without the complexity, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend treat. With a blend of spices, herbs, and a touch of heat, this jerk chicken will have everyone coming back for more.

This recipe features succulent chicken marinated in a rich blend of spices, including allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers, which give it a distinctive and spicy kick. The chicken is then grilled or baked to perfection, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat with a beautifully charred exterior. Pair it with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tools to Use:

Blender or food processor
Large mixing bowl
Grill or oven
Baking sheet (if baking)
Tongs
Meat thermometer

Ingredients:

4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero peppers), seeded and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 medium onion, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the allspice, dried thyme, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, fresh ginger, onion, green onions, soy sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over it. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Grill or Bake the Chicken:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the skin is nicely charred.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.

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Best & Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe

Equipment

Blender or food processor
Large mixing bowl
Grill or oven
Baking sheet (if baking)
Tongs
Meat thermometer

Ingredients

4-6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers, seeded and chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
1 inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and grated
1 medium onion chopped
3 green onions chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the allspice, dried thyme, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, fresh ginger, onion, green onions, soy sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and pour the marinade over it. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Grill or Bake the Chicken:
Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the skin is nicely charred.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.

Tips for Cooking:

Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best.
Adjusting Heat: If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of Scotch bonnet peppers or substitute with milder peppers.
Cooking Method: Both grilling and baking work well for jerk chicken. Grilling will give you a more authentic smoky flavor, while baking is convenient for indoor cooking.

Why They Should Try This Recipe:

This easy jerk chicken recipe offers a taste of the Caribbean with minimal effort. The aromatic spices and herbs create a complex and irresistible flavor profile that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want to try something new for dinner, this jerk chicken is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a great addition to your recipe repertoire.

Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this best and easy jerk chicken recipe. It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends with its bold spices and juicy, tender chicken. Perfect for any occasion, this jerk chicken will transport you to the islands with every bite. Happy cooking!