Iconic Jamaican dish featuring chicken marinated in a spicy 'jerk' seasoning blend dominated by Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice, traditionally grilled.

Jerk Chicken

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, legs, or whole chicken cut up)
• For the Jerk Marinade:
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3-4 scallions (green onions), chopped
  • 2-4 Scotch bonnet peppers, stemmed and chopped (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, chopped
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries (or 1.5 tsp ground allspice)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Make Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until a relatively smooth paste forms.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Massage the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).
3. Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F) for indirect grilling, or preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Grilling: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Cover and cook for 40-60 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). For char marks, move chicken to the direct heat side for the last few minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Baking: Place chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and juices run clear.
6. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

What makes it special?*

Jerk is Jamaica's signature flavor profile and cooking style. It involves marinating meat in a fiery blend dominated by Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice (pimento), along with other spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and scallions. Traditionally cooked slowly over pimento wood fires, the result is smoky, spicy, fragrant, and incredibly flavorful chicken that's famous worldwide.