Name: Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 1 large tomato or 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 large onion, quartered; 4 green onions; 2 cloves garlic; 5-6 stalks of fresh thyme; 1-2 Habanero peppers (or more for desired heat); 10 dried pimento seeds (allspice berries); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 8 chicken drumsticks

Description

Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish marinated in traditional jerk sauce made with a blend of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and hot peppers, then grilled to perfection.

Ingredients

1 large tomato or 1/2 cup ketchup

1 large onion, quartered

4 green onions

2 cloves garlic

5–6 stalks of fresh thyme

1–2 Habanero peppers (or more for desired heat)

10 dried pimento seeds (allspice berries)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

8 chicken drumsticks

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Instructions

To make the jerk sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large non-reactive bowl (glass or stainless steel) or ziplock bag and add the jerk sauce. Marinate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat the grill over medium heat. Lightly oil the grates with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. If using a charcoal grill, pile one side with more charcoal than the other to create 2 levels of heat.
Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, letting the excess sauce drip off.
Cook the drumsticks on indirect/medium heat (the side with less charcoal) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the drumsticks to direct heat (hotter side), or increase the heat to medium-high on a gas grill, and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the skin is nicely charred. Remove from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Habanero peppers are very spicy! Be careful when handling them, and avoid touching sensitive areas like your eyes. It’s recommended to use disposable gloves when removing seeds.

This amount of jerk sauce is good for a whole chicken or 8 pieces.

Storing Tips: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat.

Prep Time: 3 hours (including marination time)
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
Calories: 332
Sugar: 3.6g
Sodium: 689.1mg
Fat: 9.9g
Saturated Fat: -
Unsaturated Fat: -
Trans Fat: -
Carbohydrates: 7.2g
Fiber: -
Protein: 51.3g
Cholesterol: 231.4mg