Ah, the Caribbean—sun, sand, and jerk chicken. Picture yourself on a breezy Jamaican beach, the spicy, smoky aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air. This marinade is your ticket to that paradise, capturing the vibrant essence of island life with every bite. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a little sunshine on their plate?
Steps
- Combine olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, green onions, thyme leaves, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, scotch bonnet pepper, ground black pepper, kosher salt, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor or blender. Blend the ingredients until the mixture is mostly smooth.
- Pour the blended marinade over 3 pounds of bone-in chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, and up to 12 hours for more intense flavor.
- Preheat your grill or oven to the appropriate cooking temperature. For grilling, cook the chicken over indirect heat for 35-40 minutes. Alternatively, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 40 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and has achieved a golden brown color, remove it from the heat. Serve the jerk chicken hot and enjoy the flavorful result.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon garlic, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, stem removed (seeds and ribs removed for less heat, if desired)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Nutritional Values
Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 737mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are typically found in a jerk chicken marinade?
- The marinade usually includes olive oil, lime juice, green onions, thyme leaves, spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, as well as hot peppers like Scotch bonnet peppers.
- How do you prepare jerk chicken marinade?
- Combine all the marinade ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until mostly smooth. Coat bone-in chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour or up to 12 hours before grilling or baking.
- What tips can help ensure a perfect jerk chicken marinade?
- Prepare the marinade up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If the olive oil solidifies, allow it to return to room temperature before use. For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, and consider substituting habanero or jalapeño peppers if Scotch bonnet peppers are unavailable.
- Can jerk chicken marinade be used with other types of meat or foods?
- Yes, the marinade is versatile and can be used with quick-cooking steaks like flank steak, bone-in pork chops, pork tenderloin, seafood such as shrimp and scallops, and even vegetables like red bell peppers and zucchini.
- How should jerk chicken be cooked for optimal flavor?
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat for 35-40 minutes or bake it at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
Tips
- Prepare Ahead: You can make the marinade up to two days in advance. If the olive oil solidifies when refrigerated, just let it come to room temperature to liquefy again before using.
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks to ensure the chicken remains juicy. Boneless skinless pieces, particularly chicken breast, may dry out more easily.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If Scotch bonnet peppers are unavailable, you can substitute with habanero peppers. For a milder flavor, use jalapeno peppers and remove the seeds and ribs.
- Cooking Method: Grill the chicken over indirect heat for 35-40 minutes, or bake at 400°F for around 40 minutes until fully cooked. This will help achieve a perfect golden brown finish.
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender – Essential for blending the marinade ingredients into a smooth mixture.
- Grill – If you plan to grill the chicken and don’t already own one.
- Meat Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the chicken is cooked through if you’re baking it in the oven or grilling.
