Jerk Chicken Recipe

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE JERK CHICKEN MARINADE

• 2 green onions roughly chopped
• 1/2 onion roughly chopped
• 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers*
• 1 small knob fresh ginger peeled
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 tablespoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or any vinegar
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

FOR THE PINEAPPLE SALSA

• 2 cups diced pineapple fresh is best but any will do
• 1 jalapeno diced
• 1/4 red onion finely diced
• juice from one lime
• 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
• pinch salt

INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARE THE MARINADE:

• Place all the ingredients, except the chicken, in a food processor or blender. Pulse/blend until the mixture is mostly smooth. Place the chicken in a large plastic bag or bowl and pour in the marinade. Toss chicken in the marinade until well-coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag. Place in the refrigerator to marinate at least 1 hour or up to overnight, which will bring out the best flavor.

GRILL THE CHICKEN:

• Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

MAKE THE PINEAPPLE SALSA:

• Stir together all ingredients for the pineapple salsa. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Spoon over chicken and enjoy.

NOTES

• Ideally use fresh ingredients for best flavor, where possible. You will totally notice the difference, the flavor is so much stronger.
• Allow enough time to marinate so those flavors can really soak into the chicken – at least 1 hour, preferably more.
• You can use chicken thighs. Just check for doneness.
• Before grilling the chicken, rub some oil on the grill to avoid tearing when you flip the chicken.
• You can check doneness by using a meat thermometer. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, it should read at least 165F
• Remove the ribs and seeds of the peppers to reduce the spiciness of the marinade.
• This chicken is wonderful when topped with a fruit salsa. This quick pineapple salsa is great but you can use your favorite recipe.