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Jerk Chicken - Homemade jerk chicken recipe that you can grill right at your backyard. Delicious, moist and spicy chicken that everyone loves!
Originally published in July 2012, updated with new pictures.
About 10 years ago, Mr. Rasa Malaysia and I went to Jamaica for vacation. The beaches in Jamaica are probably some of the best ones that we had been to, but it was the aromas of jerk chicken wafting from the jerk chicken stands that had us hooked on Jamaica.
During our stay there, we sampled countless jerk chicken shacks, and ate every possible jerk chicken that we could find along the beaches.
One conclusion we had after the trip, jerk chicken is the national dish of Jamaica. Every corner there is one jerk chicken shack and regardless of its location, there are always happy patrons eagerly and hungrily chowing down the dark-skinned, spicy, and hot-off-the-grill chicken. We absolutely enjoyed it jerk chicken.
Back to the US, finding a good one is really not easy, other than the mediocre so-called “Jerk Chicken” at chain restaurants, but this backyard jerk chicken recipe from Martha Stewart is exactly what I was looking for.
They are absolutely delicious, moist, flavorful with the right amount of heat!
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is only 432 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Jerk Chicken
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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Jerk Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (1kg) chicken pieces
Marinade:
- 1 habanero chile, stemmed
- 1 bunch scallions, cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for grill
- salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken and remove the thigh bones. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine all the Marinade ingredients.
- In a large sealable plastic bag, toss the chicken with the paste, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate overnight.
- On the next day, fire up the grill and brush a bit of oil on the surface. Grill the chicken until golden brown and charred on both sides. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wow the Jerk Chicken looks great and yummy too. Thanks for great explanation
Will try this one
yummy chicken!! thank you for sharing your recipe :)
Thank you! :)
The chicken skin is just perfect!!!
Yes, even my picky eater 5 years old loves it.
Thank you Bee for the nice recipe. Yours are all nice.
Could you bake the chicken? I
Yes you can bake them. :)
Can you provide the baking instructions? Thanks.
I’m from Jamaica and your recipe captures the true essence and taste of our famous jerk chicken.Thanks for sharing
Awww Wendy, thanks, it means a lot to me. I miss the real jerk chicken in Jamaica. :)
Hi,
The soya sauce is the salted one or sweet one?
Hi,
The town is Ocho Rios. They forgot the ‘s”. I could get you a richer Jerk Chicken Recipe. Where are you located? There are tons of great jerk chicken centers around The Untied States. Check out The New York City boros and Long Island, Westchester, up in Massachussetts, down in Florida, Georgia and I even found a great one on Myrtle Beach.
Fran
Just by looking at the ingredients, I know this is a good jerk recipe. I make something very similar with the exception of 7 more habenaros!
Those look delicious! I’ve been wondering what jerk chicken tastes like after seeing floating around the web. With chilies, allspice and brown sugar, I can almost imagine the taste now.