Authentic Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of Jamaica with this Authentic Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe! Crafted from a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, this dish captures the essence of Jamaican culinary traditions. Infused with a medley of spices, fresh lime juice, and fiery scotch bonnet peppers, this Jerk Chicken offers a punchy, aromatic flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. While this recipe is known for its heat, you have the flexibility to adjust the spice level to match your palate. Serve this deliciously fragrant chicken at your next cookout, and don’t forget to complement it with a refreshing Rum Punch to cool off your taste buds. Perfect for a family gathering or an outdoor barbecue, this dish will transport you straight to the sunny shores of Jamaica!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (cut into chunks)
limes
4 (juiced)
water
1 cup (N/A)
ground allspice
2 teaspoons (N/A)
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon (N/A)
dried thyme
2 teaspoons (N/A)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (N/A)
ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for marinade)
onions
2 (chopped)
chopped green onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
garlic cloves
6 (chopped)
scotch bonnet peppers
2 (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and placing them in a medium-sized bowl.
2
Pour the juice of 4 fresh limes and 1 cup of water over the chicken. Ensure all pieces are well-coated, then set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, brown sugar, dried thyme, ground ginger, and ground black pepper, along with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
4
Add chopped onions, green onions, garlic cloves, and chopped scotch bonnet peppers into the blender. Pulse until the ingredients are well combined but still slightly chunky, enhancing the texture of the marinade.
5
Pour this marinade over the marinated chicken and mix well to ensure every piece is coated in the vibrant spice blend. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly grease the grill grates with some cooking oil.
7
Once the grill is ready, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook the chicken slowly, turning frequently and basting with the leftover marinade to keep it moist and flavorful. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) but retains a slightly charred exterior for that authentic jerk flavor.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and then serve hot with your favorite sides, like rice and peas or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
7g
Carbs
25g
Protein
1.3g
Fiber
1.6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken?
It is a traditional Jamaican dish featuring chicken infused with a medley of spices, lime juice, and scotch bonnet peppers for a punchy, aromatic flavor profile.
How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
Start by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks before marinating.
What is the first step in the marinating process?
Place the chicken chunks in a bowl and pour the juice of 4 fresh limes and 1 cup of water over them, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes.
What spices are used in the jerk marinade?
The marinade includes ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, brown sugar, dried thyme, ground ginger, and ground black pepper.
Can I adjust the spice level of this jerk chicken?
Yes, you have the flexibility to adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers to match your preferred heat level.
How do I make the marinade paste?
Combine the dry spices, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a blender or food processor and blend until it forms a smooth paste.
Should the marinade be completely smooth?
The initial spice paste should be smooth, but after adding onions, green onions, garlic, and peppers, you should pulse until the mixture is slightly chunky for better texture.
How long should the chicken marinate in the refrigerator?
The chicken should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of grill heat is best for jerk chicken?
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat for the best results.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly grease the grill grates with cooking oil before placing the chicken on the grill.
How should the chicken be cooked on the grill?
Cook the chicken slowly, turning it frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
Use the leftover marinade to baste the chicken while it is grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
What is the safe internal temperature for jerk chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What should the exterior of the chicken look like when finished?
The chicken should have a slightly charred exterior to provide that authentic jerk flavor.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
What are the traditional side dishes for this recipe?
This dish pairs perfectly with rice and peas or a fresh salad.
What drink is recommended to serve with spicy jerk chicken?
A refreshing Rum Punch is recommended to help cool off your taste buds from the heat.
What kind of peppers provide the heat in this recipe?
Authentic heat is provided by 2 chopped scotch bonnet peppers.
How many calories are in a serving of this jerk chicken?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the spices.
What types of onions are used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for both 2 regular onions and 1.5 cups of chopped green onions.
How much garlic is required for the marinade?
You will need 6 chopped garlic cloves.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
There are 15 ingredients used in this jerk chicken recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving.
What type of oil should I use for the marinade?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for the marinade paste.
How many chicken breast halves are needed?
The recipe requires 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
Can this be served at a barbecue?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or outdoor barbecues.
How much ginger is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.