A Jerky Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinners with "A Jerky Chicken," a flavor-packed Caribbean masterpiece that brings a smoky, spicy kick to your plate. This easy-to-make recipe features tender, bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of scallions, garlic, ginger, and fiery Scotch bonnet pepper, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and the tang of fresh lime juice. Seasoned with aromatic spices like allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, every bite delivers bold, authentic Jamaican jerk flavors. Whether grilled to perfection or baked in the oven, this dish is perfect for a casual family meal or an exciting dinner party entrée. Serve it alongside rice, beans, and grilled vegetables for a tropical feast that’s sure to impress. Ready in under an hour (excluding marination), this crowd-pleaser is a must-try for lovers of spicy, savory cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 4 stalks Scallions
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
• 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Chicken broth (optional, for basting)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the chicken thighs, pat them dry with paper towels, and set aside.

Step 2

In a food processor or blender, combine the scallions, garlic, grated ginger, Scotch bonnet pepper, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, ground allspice, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Blend the marinade ingredients until smooth.

Step 4

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 5

Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

Step 6

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and set aside. Reserve the remaining marinade.

Step 8

If grilling, place the chicken skin-side down on the grill grates. If using the oven, arrange the chicken on a lined baking sheet. Cook for 20-25 minutes on each side, occasionally basting with the reserved marinade or chicken broth if needed.

Step 9

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Step 10

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with rice, beans, and grilled vegetables for a complete Caribbean-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1507.8 grams (1507.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2908

Total Fat 213.20g	273%
Saturated Fat 56.70g	284%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.90g
Cholesterol 972mg	324%
Sodium 4734mg	206%
Total Carbohydrate 40.60g	15%
Dietary Fiber 4.90g	18%
Total Sugars 21.20g
Protein 222.20g	444%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 270mg	21%
Iron 14mg	76%
Potassium 2783mg	59%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.6%

Protein: 29.9%

Carbs: 5.5%