A Taste of the Caribbean: Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jerk Chicken

Jerk Chicken is a famous Jamaican dish that's delicious paired with rice and peas. Photo: from_my_point_of_view/GettyImages

This month (Aug. 6), the island nation marked its Diamond Jubilee and 60 years of independence. To celebrate, we cook up this authentic recipe for Jamaica’s signature dish.

Jerk chicken is a spicy main dish that goes well with rice and peas, coleslaw, or seasonal vegetables. You can also whip up a quick tropical salsa as a condiment to carry on with the island theme.

Recipe

Ingredients 

  • 1 whole chicken cut in quarters (skin on)
  • 2 tbsp Walkers Wood Jerk Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt to taste
  • 1 whole lemon or lime

Directions

  1. Wash the chicken in lemon or lime, then pat dry
  2. In a bowl, add the olive oil and jerk seasoning to the chicken. Mix well.
  3. Marinate overnight.
  4. Heat oven to 350F. Put chicken in oven for 30-40 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven and place on hot grill for another 20-30 minutes, skin side down.
  6. If necessary, base the chicken with the leftover marinade while on the grill.
  7. Remove from grill and serve.

A version of this story was published on July 9, 2019

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