This jerk chicken recipe is a flavorful and spicy dish that originates from Jamaica. The marinade is a combination of jerk seasoning, spices, and citrus juices that tenderize the chicken and infuse it with bold flavors. Grilled to perfection, this dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the jerk seasoning, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 15-20 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred in spots.
- Serve the jerk chicken hot with rice and peas, or your favorite side dishes.
- Enjoy the spicy and flavorful taste of authentic Jamaican jerk chicken!
Interesting Facts
Authentic jerk seasoning includes a blend of spices like allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, cinnamon, and thyme.
Jerk chicken is traditionally grilled over pimento wood, which adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
The word 'jerk' comes from the Spanish word 'charqui,' which means dried meat or jerked meat.