Habanero Jerk Chicken

Ignite your taste buds with this bold and flavorful Habanero Jerk Chicken recipe, a fiery twist on a Caribbean classic. Tender chicken legs and thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of habanero peppers, scallions, garlic, fresh ginger, and warming spices like allspice and cinnamon. Sweetened with brown sugar and brightened by fresh lime juice, this marinade perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and zesty freshness. The chicken is grilled to perfection, achieving juicy tenderness with a smoky char that highlights its bold flavors. Perfect for summer barbecues or an exotic weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with traditional rice and peas or grilled veggies. Get ready to impress with this unforgettable combination of spice and savory deliciousness!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken legs and thighs
• 2 whole Habanero peppers
• 4 stalks Scallions (green onions)
• 4 whole Garlic cloves
• 1 inch Fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons Lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken legs and thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.

Step 2

To make the jerk marinade, combine the habanero peppers (seeds removed for less heat, if desired), scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, lime juice, vegetable oil, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor.

Step 3

Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth marinade.

Step 4

Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for best results.

Step 5

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using charcoal, ensure the coals are glowing and evenly distributed.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it on the preheated grill.

Step 7

Cook the chicken for about 20 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.

Step 8

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 9

Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice and peas or grilled vegetables, for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	871.1 grams (871.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1655

Total Fat 106.30g	136%
Saturated Fat 24.90g	124%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.90g
Cholesterol 558mg	186%
Sodium 4596mg	200%
Total Carbohydrate 41.00g	15%
Dietary Fiber 4.10g	15%
Total Sugars 21.00g
Protein 138.90g	278%

Vitamin D 42IU	210%
Calcium 178mg	14%
Iron 9mg	49%
Potassium 1902mg	40%

*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: 57.1%

Protein: 33.1%

Carbs: 9.8%