Family-Style Jerk-Seasoned Chicken Legs
Delight your family with this vibrant and flavorful take on jerk chicken that balances spice without overwhelming heat. This family-friendly recipe uses a savory rub featuring fresh scallions, aromatic spices, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. The chicken is marinated to allow the flavors to fully infuse, creating tender and juicy meat with a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen. Perfect pairing options such as cornbread, rice and beans, or fried plantains elevate this dish, making it a fantastic option for family dinners. Serve it alongside a chilled French Beaujolais or a refreshing Red Stripe to round out a truly enjoyable dining experience.
4
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Scallions
3 (chopped, including green tops)
Garlic
2 (cloves, minced)
Ground allspice
1 (tablespoon)
Dried thyme
1 (tablespoon)
Cayenne pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Onion powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Salt
1 1/4 (teaspoons)
Grated nutmeg
1 (teaspoon)
Brown sugar
2 (tablespoons)
Vinegar
1/2 (teaspoon)
Cooking oil
1/4 (cup)
Whole chicken legs
4 (whole)
Instructions
1
In a food processor or blender, combine scallions, minced garlic, ground allspice, dried thyme, cayenne, onion powder, black pepper, salt, nutmeg, brown sugar, vinegar, and cooking oil. Blend until smooth, creating a thick paste.
2
Place the chicken legs in a large roasting pan. Generously coat the chicken with the jerk rub, ensuring even coverage on all sides. For best results, cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes or up to 24 hours.
3
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
4
Arrange the marinated chicken legs in the upper third of the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
5
Carefully turn the chicken legs over, then continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
7.5
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this jerk chicken recipe?
The recipe is called Family-Style Jerk-Seasoned Chicken Legs.
How many servings does this chicken recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in each serving of these chicken legs?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this dish?
The dish contains 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 40 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
What is the total baking time for the chicken legs?
The total baking time is 30 minutes, consisting of 15 minutes per side.
What internal temperature ensures the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Where should the chicken be placed in the oven?
The chicken should be arranged in the upper third of the oven.
How many scallions are required for the rub?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped scallions, including the green tops.
What spices are used in the jerk rub?
The rub includes ground allspice, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Is sugar used in this jerk chicken recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar are used to add a hint of sweetness.
What equipment is needed to make the jerk seasoning paste?
You should use a food processor or blender to create a smooth, thick paste.
What type of chicken cut is used?
The recipe uses 4 whole chicken legs.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
What aromatic herb is featured in the marinade?
One tablespoon of dried thyme is used.
What side dishes pair well with this jerk chicken?
It pairs well with cornbread, rice and beans, or fried plantains.
What drink pairings are recommended for this meal?
Recommended pairings include a chilled French Beaujolais or a Red Stripe beer.
Should the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, the chicken should rest for a few minutes after being removed from the oven.
How much oil is used for the paste?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cooking oil.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
Two minced cloves of garlic are required.
What gives this jerk chicken its spicy kick?
One teaspoon of cayenne pepper provides the spice.
How much allspice is used in the recipe?
One tablespoon of ground allspice is used.
Does this recipe include nutmeg?
Yes, it includes one teaspoon of grated nutmeg.
How much vinegar is in the rub?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar.
Is the chicken flipped during the baking process?
Yes, you should carefully turn the chicken legs over after the first 15 minutes of baking.
What is the texture of the jerk seasoning?
The seasoning should be blended until it forms a thick, smooth paste.
What culinary category does this dish fall under?
This dish is a part of Jamaican cuisine.