Description
Spicy Caribbean jerk chicken dances with authentic Jamaican allspice berries, creating a fiery flavor explosion that transports palates straight to island paradise. Succulent marinated chicken emerges from the grill with bold, smoky notes you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 whole chickens, quartered
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 scallions
- 2 Scotch bonnets
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Pulverize marinade components in a blender until a coarse, aromatic mixture forms, releasing intense Caribbean-inspired flavors.
- Incorporate soy sauce and oil into the blended mixture, creating a smooth, glossy marinade with deep umami undertones.
- Thoroughly massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the spices to penetrate deeply overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill or oven to 425°F, positioning the chicken to promote even heat distribution and optimal caramelization.
- Cook for 35-40 minutes, rotating the chicken midway to guarantee uniform browning and prevent burning, while maintaining a juicy interior.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and intensify the final flavor profile.
- Slice and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional allspice berries for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
Notes
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during grilling.
- Toast whole allspice berries before grinding to release their intense, warm aromatics and enhance the marinade’s depth.
- For a milder version, reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or substitute with jalapeños to control heat levels.
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat.
- Prep Time: Overnight marination (approximately 12 hours)
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg