This recipe is my take on classic jerk chicken, but with a fiery twist! I love adding jalapeño peppers to my jerk marinade—it adds a nice kick that complements the warm spices beautifully. Honestly, it's a game-changer! This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue, a casual weeknight meal, or even a fun get-together with friends. It's pretty darn versatile.
I remember the first time I tried jerk chicken—it was on a trip to Jamaica with my family, years ago. The explosion of flavor completely blew me away. Ever since, I've been obsessed with recreating that amazing taste. Now, I get to share my tweaked version, and I hope you'll love it as much as I do!
Required Equipments
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Grill or grill pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Jerk Chicken with Jalapeno Peppers: Frequently Asked Questions
Jerk Chicken with Jalapeno Peppers
This spicy jerk chicken recipe features a flavorful marinade with jalapeño peppers, perfect for grilling. It's easy to make and sure to impress!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the jerk seasoning (recipe follows), olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chopped jalapeños. Make sure everything is well combined. Don't be shy with the jerk seasoning; we're aiming for bold flavors!
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they're fully coated in the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to really get the marinade into all the nooks and crannies of the chicken. Trust me, it's worth it!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for 2-4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the chicken will absorb that incredible jerk flavor. Patience is key here!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it's hot, clean the grates to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. A little prep goes a long way, right?
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on the preheated grill grates. Don't overcrowd the grill; work in batches if necessary for even cooking. We want beautiful grill marks!
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness—this is crucial for food safety!
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful. Such a simple step but makes a huge difference!
- Serve the jerk chicken hot, garnished with extra chopped jalapeños, if desired, and some fresh cilantro. Enjoy! (Don't forget a side of rice and peas!)
📝 Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers to your preference. For milder flavors, remove the seeds.
- If you don’t have jerk seasoning, you can make your own by combining allspice, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, scallions, and other spices. Get creative!
- Feel free to add other vegetables like onions or bell peppers to the marinade for extra flavor!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 20mg
