Best 6 Traditional Jerk Chicken Recipes
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Caribbean with our comprehensive guide to traditional jerk chicken. This beloved dish, originating from Jamaica, has captivated taste buds worldwide with its unique blend of spices and aromatic herbs. Our collection of recipes offers a diverse range of cooking methods, from the classic charcoal grill to the convenience of an oven or air fryer, ensuring that every jerk chicken enthusiast can find their perfect match. Explore the authentic flavors of Jamaica with our traditional jerk chicken recipe, featuring a vibrant marinade made from Scotch bonnet peppers, scallions, thyme, and allspice. For a smoky and succulent twist, try our grilled jerk chicken recipe, where the chicken is cooked over hot coals, infusing it with an irresistible char. If you prefer the ease of indoor cooking, our oven-baked jerk chicken recipe delivers tender and juicy results, while our air fryer jerk chicken recipe provides a healthier alternative with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Whichever method you choose, our traditional jerk chicken recipes guarantee an unforgettable culinary experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Jamaica.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
JERK CHICKEN
Done right, jerk chicken is one of the great barbecue traditions of the world, up there with Texas brisket and Chinese char siu. It is Jamaica to the bone, aromatic and smoky, sweet but insistently hot. All of its traditional ingredients grow in the island's lush green interior: fresh ginger, thyme and scallions; Scotch bonnet peppers; and the sweet wood of the allspice tree, which burns to a fragrant smoke. "It's not a sauce, it's a procedure," Jerome Williams, a Jamaican-born Brooklyn resident, told The Times in 2008 on a Sunday in Prospect Park, where families arrive as early as 6 a.m. for lakeside grilling spots, a few of which are actually authorized by the parks department. "It has to be hot, but it cannot only be hot, or you get no joy from it." This recipe delivers that joy.
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories dinner, lunch, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- At least 1 day before cooking, pat chicken dry with paper towels. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and grind to a coarse paste. Slather all over chicken, including under skin. Refrigerate 12 to 36 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking and lightly sprinkle with more salt and ground allspice.
- Prepare a charcoal grill: Clean and oil grates, and preheat to medium heat using one chimney of charcoal. The temperature can start as high as 300 degrees and go as low as 250. For best results, coals should be at least 12 inches away from chicken. If necessary, push coals to one side of grill to create indirect heat. Add two large handfuls of soaked pimento (allspice) wood sticks and chips (see note) or other aromatic wood chips to coals, then close grill. When thick white smoke billows from grill, place chicken on grate, skin side up, and cover. Let cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Uncover grill. Chicken will be golden and mahogany in places. Chicken thighs may already be cooked through. For other cuts, turn chicken over and add more wood chips, and charcoal if needed. Cover and continue cooking, checking and turning every 10 minutes. Jerk chicken is done when skin is burnished brown and chicken juices are completely clear, with no pink near the bone. For large pieces, this can take up to an hour. Serve hot or warm, with rice and beans.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 790, UnsaturatedFat 40 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 55 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 429 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN
Hot, succulent Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a tropical treat. You'll love the heat and flavor of this fiery marinade.
Provided by Yardie
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean
Time 3h20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place chicken in a medium bowl. Cover with lime juice and water. Set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, place allspice, nutmeg, salt, brown sugar, thyme, ginger, black pepper and vegetable oil. Blend well, then mix in onions, green onions, garlic and habanero peppers until almost smooth.
- Pour most of the blended marinade mixture into bowl with chicken, reserving a small amount to use as a basting sauce while cooking. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat.
- Brush grill grate with oil. Cook chicken slowly on the preheated grill. Turn frequently, basting often with remaining marinade mixture. Cook to desired doneness.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.7 calories, Carbohydrate 13.3 g, Cholesterol 68.4 mg, Fat 6.4 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 28.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 473.9 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
PERFECT BAKED JERK CHICKEN
I was on the hunt for a perfect jerk seasoning, not too sweet, not too spicy. I finally perfected my own. Hope you like it!
Provided by angielee26
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Whole Chicken Recipes
Time 3h40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Make the jerk rub by combining the salt, allspice, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic, nutmeg, pepper, ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and thyme. Toss the chicken pieces with the spice mixture, then cover, and marinate in the refrigerator 2 to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Pour the vegetable oil into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place the chicken pieces skin-side up into the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes, until no longer pink near the bone. Turn the oven on to broil, and cook until the skin crisps, 2 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 571.7 calories, Carbohydrate 2 g, Cholesterol 88.3 mg, Fat 52.5 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 21.8 g, SaturatedFat 13.6 g, Sodium 457.6 mg, Sugar 1 g
JERK CHICKEN RECIPE
Jerk chicken is a classic Jamaican dish enjoyed by many people, yardies, and foreigners alike. This authentic Jamaican jerk recipe has a secret ingredient and tasty homemade marinade seasoning.
Provided by Admin
Categories Dinner
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Add vinegar and water to a bowl then wash chicken thoroughly. After washing, drain the chicken and pat dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Pour homemade marinade over chicken and let it sit for 15 minutes or more. If you have no home-made marinade use grace or walkerswood jerk seasoning along with onion, soy sauce, cinnamon, maggie cube, browning, and brown sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 cal
TRADITIONAL JERK CHICKEN
Allspice, thyme, and hot peppers give this classic jerk chicken a distinct island flavor. For best results, cook it on an outdoor grill or in a stovetop grill pan. Our jerk marinade can also be used on pork, beef, and fish.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Chicken
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In the bowl of a food processor or the jar of a blender, combine vinegar, 1/2 cup water, lime juice, vegetable oil, onion, scallion, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, and ginger. Puree ingredients until smooth and well combined. Add allspice, thyme, cinnamon, sugar, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Puree until smooth and free of lumps.
- Place chicken pieces in a medium-size bowl. Pour marinade over chicken, and turn chicken pieces to coat. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the chicken pieces on a foil-lined baking sheet. Place in the heated oven and cook until the juices run clear when pierced with a two-pronged fork, 45 to 50 minutes.
AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients (except chicken) in a food processor , and process until a smooth puree forms.
- Put chicken in a large bowl and pour marinade over. Stir chicken pieces to coat completely; cover and marinate at least 6 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare a gas or charcoal grill on medium heat (350 F to 375 F) for direct/indirect grilling. Remove chicken from jerk marinade. Place chicken skin-side down on the direct side of the grill. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the skin is charred and crisp, controlling any flare-ups on the grill. Turn the chicken over and move to the indirect side. Close the lid, and cook an additional 10 to 20 minutes, removing pieces as they become done.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 482 kcal, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 152 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 48 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 897 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 27 g, ServingSize four servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the jerk chicken will be. Choose fresh, free-range chicken, and use a good quality jerk seasoning blend.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 24 hours: This will give the chicken time to absorb the flavors of the marinade and develop a delicious jerk flavor.
- Cook the chicken over low heat: Jerk chicken is traditionally cooked over a low fire, which allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to cook evenly.
- Baste the chicken regularly: This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve the jerk chicken with traditional sides: such as rice and peas, coleslaw, and plantains.
Conclusion:
Jerk chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can make the best jerk chicken that will impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and get cooking!
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