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Jamaican Jerk Chicken
An authentic recipe for traditional Jamaican jerk chicken, highlighting a potent marinade built around Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and aromatic herbs.
Makes 4 servings
About This Recipe
An authentic recipe for traditional Jamaican jerk chicken, highlighting a potent marinade built around Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and aromatic herbs.
Category Scores
Cooking Timeline
Ingredients
Chicken
Marinade
Equipment
- Food processor For blending the marinade ingredients
- Outdoor grill Charcoal or gas grill for authentic smoky flavor
- Basting brush
Instructions
-
1
In a food processor, combine Scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, garlic, ginger, allspice, thyme, brown sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the jerk marinade.
-
2
Clean the chicken pieces and pat them dry. Score the meat slightly with a knife to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
-
3
Coat the chicken thoroughly with the jerk marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4 min -
4
Preheat your grill for medium-high indirect heat or prepare an outdoor charcoal grill for smoky cooking.
-
5
Grill the chicken for 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra marinade, until fully cooked and nicely charred on the outside.
40 min
Nutrition
Expert Review
Verdict
An exceptionally bold, flavorful, and aromatic authentic Jamaican jerk chicken recipe.
Pros
- Incredible depth of flavor
- Perfect smoky char
- Juicy and tender meat
Cons
- Requires marinating time for best results
Overview
AI Insights
Summary
An authentic recipe for traditional Jamaican jerk chicken, highlighting a potent marinade built around Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and aromatic herbs.
Tips
- Wear gloves when handling Scotch bonnet peppers to avoid skin irritation
- Add pimento wood chips to your charcoal grill for true Jamaican smoke flavor
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling before serving
Substitutions
- Scotch bonnet peppers → Habanero peppers
- Vegetable oil → Coconut oil
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pairing
Rice and peas Fried plantains and a cold tropical drink
AI Cooking Assistant
Ask questions about this recipe — substitutions, timing, or technique.
Open Cooking AssistantFAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
What can I substitute for Scotch bonnet peppers?
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