Jamaican Inspired Jerk Chicken

I love the robust flavours in this traditional Jamaican dish. It has a good balance of spices and heat, not too overpowering yet flavourful. Absolutely a perfect dish for casual entertaining with family and friends. You can either grill or bake in the oven. To make the most of summer weather, I usually grill them on BBQ and serve with coleslaw, grilled corn or Jamaican rice and peas.

 

Jerk chicken should not be limited for summer entertaining only; I also like making this dish in the winter. Instead of grilling them on BBQ, I bake them in the oven. Trust me, the lingering aroma of spices in your kitchen will certainly open up your appetite and warm you in frigid cold winters.

This dish is easy to make and you can get all ingredients in regular grocery stores. Jamaican all spice is usually available either in "ethnic" or "spice" aisle.

Skill Level: Easy

Serves: 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium size whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

Marinade: 

• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bunch green onion, cut into 2 inches long
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, seeds removed. If you want it mild, replace with 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce 
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 tbsp Jamaican all spice powder 
• 1 tbsp dried thyme 
• 1 tbsp whole black pepper 
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• juice from 1 lime
• 1/4 cup water

 METHOD: 

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a blender until smooth
2. Pour into the chicken, marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight
3. Preheat BBQ grill to 325 degree Fahrenheit 
4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Arrange chicken pieces on the grill
5. Grill and turn the pieces every 5 minutes
6. Grill until juice runs clear
7. Serve hot and enjoy!