The Real Jerk Chicken
Since a trip in 2012 to Jamaica where I had the pleasure of trying on the beach jerk chicken, I would be forever changed. I had tried Jerk Chicken in the US but was never that impressed. It was ok, kind of spicy but too complex in flavor and always over cooked. If you have ever wanted the real thing a friend that grew up in Jamacia has cracked the code. This recipe will make proper Jerk Chicken just like on the big island.
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Ingredients
Serves 8
- 1/2 Jar Walkerswoods Traditional Jerk Seasoning Mild (hot if you prefer SUPER spicy)
I had the pleasure of going to Jamaica a few years back. I ran into this vendor on the beach selling chicken. Come to find out it was jerk chicken. It was so freaking good I went back every day I was there. Since I returned back to the states I was no longer able to replicate that flavor.
In recent days I met somebody from the big island and he explained what I was doing wrong. You gotta make it like the locals do. The key to this is a specific pepper that grows there. The simplest way to make real jerk chicken is to cheat! You need <a herf="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076GQZG9D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1"> Walkerswoods Traditional Jerk Seasoning Mild </a>. That's about it. You can pick up the hot stuff if you want to burn your face off. They're both tasty I recommend the mild unless you typically eat Asian hot food.
Method
- 0hStep 1
Take 1 lb of chicken thighs (or breast if you prefer) and coat them generously in the Walkerwood Traditional Jerk Seasoning. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight (up to 2 days).
- 12hStep 2
Cook on a grill over low heat. Prefer charcoal offset (meaning make sure the chicken is on a part of the grill not directly exposed to the coals) but you can use gas if that's all you got. If using gas just cook it on medium-low or low depending on your grill. Just make sure it takes 15-20 min aside. Cook until internal temperature is 145 - 148 degrees.
Get what we use
Direct links to the rubs, oils, and gear used in this recipe. As an Amazon Associate The Turkey Leg earns from qualifying purchases.
- Get itKiller HogsHot Rub
Heat-forward competition rub. Use when you want it to bite back.
🔥 hot - Get itHeath RilesPitmaster Blend
All-purpose blackening seasoning. Chicken, beef, pork — anything but fish.
sweet + spicy - Get itHeath RilesHoney Chipotle Rub
Sweet up front, a slow smoky burn behind it. Good on pork, chicken, wings.
sweet + spicy
First published at https://www.theturkeyleg.com/recipe/the-real-jerk-chicken/ · brought into the new pit by the Pit Master.