MARTHA'S JERK CHICKEN

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Martha's Jerk Chicken image

From the article -"Scotch bonnet and habanero chiles are native to the Caribbean and are extremely hot. Scotch bonnets are traditional, but you can use habaneros, which are similar and easier to find. Use fewer or more, according to your taste. Protect your hands by wearing gloves when cutting the peppers and when rubbing the chicken with marinade. Plan ahead so the chicken can marinate overnight; allowing it to come to room temperature before grilling makes for faster and more even cooking." Prep time does not included overnight marinading. Posted for ZWT 5.

Provided by alligirl

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 35m

Yield 16 pieces, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 fresh scotch bonnet peppers or 3 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
8 scallions, coarsely chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a large knife
3 tablespoons fresh thyme (about 1 bunch, finely chopped)
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground allspice
1 tablespoon coarse salt
1 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 to 3 limes, plus lime wedges for serving)
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing grill
fresh ground pepper
2 whole chickens (about 5 pounds each, cut into 8 pieces each, or 16 drumsticks and thighs, rinsed well and patted dry)

Steps:

  • Make jerk marinade: Process chiles, onion, scallions, garlic, and thyme in a food processor until mixture forms a coarse paste.
  • Add brown sugar, allspice, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and oil; season with pepper.
  • Process until smooth. Marinade can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 day before proceeding.
  • Transfer 1/3 of the marinade (about 1 cup) to a small bowl; set aside to use for brushing chicken.
  • Transfer remaining marinade to a large bowl.
  • Add chicken; toss to coat, rubbing marinade under the skin and all over chicken. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.
  • Heat a grill to low (if using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grate for 7 seconds).
  • Brush grate lightly with oil.
  • Place chicken on grill, skin sides down. Discard used marinade.
  • Grill chicken, brushing occasionally with reserved cup of fresh marinade, until the skin sides are well browned but not charred, about 25 minutes. Turn chicken, and continue to cook, basting it occasionally, until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Cut chicken breast halves into 2 or 3 pieces, if desired.
  • Serve with lime wedges.

Gregory Man
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This is the perfect recipe for a summer cookout. The chicken is cooked on the grill, so it has a nice smoky flavor. And the jerk sauce is the perfect complement to the chicken.


Astrit Lita
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I'm allergic to peppers, so I was hesitant to try this recipe. But I'm so glad I did! I was able to substitute a different type of spice, and the chicken turned out amazing. I'll definitely be making this again.


sultan bangash
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This jerk chicken is so good, I could eat it every day. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful, and the jerk sauce is to die for. I highly recommend this recipe.


Shipon Ahmed
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I love how versatile this recipe is. I've made it with chicken breasts, thighs, and even wings. It always turns out great. I also like to experiment with different sides. I've served it with rice and peas, coleslaw, and even roasted vegetables.


David Cannon
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I had some rotisserie chicken in the fridge, and I decided to try this recipe. The jerk sauce really transformed the chicken, and it was so delicious.


RubyAnn Bray
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I'm not a big fan of spicy food, but I really enjoyed this jerk chicken. The heat level was just right, and the flavors were amazing. I'll definitely be making this again.


Roberto Flamenco
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I made this recipe for a potluck, and it was a huge success. Everyone raved about the chicken, and I even got a few requests for the recipe. This is definitely a keeper.


Yasir Arman
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I'm Jamaican, and I can tell you that this recipe is authentic. The jerk sauce is spot-on, and the chicken is cooked to perfection. This is a must-try for anyone who loves Jamaican food.


MD Nurozzaman
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This is the best jerk chicken I've ever had! The flavors are so complex and well-balanced. I especially love the hint of smokiness from the paprika.


Abubakar Barde
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I love how easy this recipe is to follow. I'm not a very experienced cook, but I was able to make this dish without any problems. The chicken turned out perfectly cooked, and the jerk sauce was delicious.


Mr Clever b
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This jerk chicken recipe was a huge hit at my last cookout! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the jerk sauce had just the right amount of heat. I'll definitely be making this again.