How To Make Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Try this Easy and Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe at your home.

As the cold days of winter seem to drag on and on, one may find themselves pining for the warmth of Caribbean sand and the inviting crystal blue waters. But until those warmer days, you can brighten up your kitchen with a classic Jerk Chicken recipe! Do keep in mind, you will need the chicken to marinate overnight, so plan ahead when making this recipe!

Let’s start to make the delicious Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 medium scallions, chopped
2 Scotch bonnet chiles, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon five-spice powder (star anise, fennel seeds, Szechuan peppercorns, cinnamon, clove)
1 tablespoon allspice berries, coarsely ground
1 tablespoon black pepper, coarsely ground
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Two 3 ½ – 4-pound chickens, quartered

Jerk Chicken Recipe Process: Step by Step

Step #1. In a food processor, combine the onion, scallions, chiles, garlic, and all of the spices. Process this into a coarse paste. Then, with the machine still on, slowly pour in the soy sauce and vegetable oil. Continue to process until combined.

Step #2. Take the marinade and pour it into a large, shallow baking dish. Place the chicken into the dish. Turn the chicken over several times to event coat all sides. Then, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step #3. When ready to cook the chicken, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before proceeding.

Step #4. For the most authentic flavor, you will want to grill the chicken. Light the grill, creating a medium-hot fire. You will want to turn the chicken occasionally, until well-browned and cooked completely through. This should take anywhere from 35 to 45 minutes. If you want a smokier flavor, cover the grill in between turning the chicken.

Step #5. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in an oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit/175 degrees Celsius. Pour a little more vegetable oil into the baking pan (about ¼ cup).

Make sure the chicken is arranged skin-side up and then bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes. And then, to crisp the skin, turn the broiler on low and cook for 3 more minutes.

Enjoy your own little taste of the Caribbean at home!

This recipe is courtesy of Food & Wine and Allrecipes!