Martha'S Jerk Chicken Recipe

Name: Martha'S Jerk Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 fresh scotch bonnet peppers or 3 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped; 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped; 8 scallions, coarsely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a large knife; 3 tablespoons fresh thyme (about 1 bunch, finely chopped); 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground allspice; 1 tablespoon coarse salt; 1 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup white vinegar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 to 3 limes, plus lime wedges for serving); 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing grill; fresh ground pepper; 2 whole chickens (about 5 pounds each, cut into 8 pieces each, or 16 drumsticks and thighs, rinsed well and patted dry)

Servings: persons

3 fresh scotch bonnet peppers or 3 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
8 scallions, coarsely chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a large knife
3 tablespoons fresh thyme (about 1 bunch, finely chopped)
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground allspice
1 tablespoon coarse salt
1 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 to 3 limes, plus lime wedges for serving)
1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing grill
fresh ground pepper
2 whole chickens (about 5 pounds each, cut into 8 pieces each, or 16 drumsticks and thighs, rinsed well and patted dry)

1
Make jerk marinade: Process chiles, onion, scallions, garlic, and thyme in a food processor until mixture forms a coarse paste.
2
Add brown sugar, allspice, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and oil; season with pepper.
3
Process until smooth. Marinade can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 day before proceeding.
4
Transfer 1/3 of the marinade (about 1 cup) to a small bowl; set aside to use for brushing chicken.
5
Transfer remaining marinade to a large bowl.
6
Add chicken; toss to coat, rubbing marinade under the skin and all over chicken. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.
7
Heat a grill to low (if using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grate for 7 seconds).
8
Brush grate lightly with oil.
9
Place chicken on grill, skin sides down. Discard used marinade.
10
Grill chicken, brushing occasionally with reserved cup of fresh marinade, until the skin sides are well browned but not charred, about 25 minutes. Turn chicken, and continue to cook, basting it occasionally, until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
11
Cut chicken breast halves into 2 or 3 pieces, if desired.
12
Serve with lime wedges.

478

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 fresh scotch bonnet peppers or 3 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped, 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped, 8 scallions, coarsely chopped, 4 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a large knife, and more.

Yes, Martha'S Jerk Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Martha'S Jerk Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions