Jerk is the process of spicing and grilling meats, poultry, seafood, and even veggies, resulting in a tender, spicy-sweet or spicy-hot  flavor. In Jamaica, each cook develops his or her own special rub by adding ingredients…scallions, thyme, cinnamon, cloves, and so on.

We love the island flavors and, in tribute, have put together a few of our own favorite spices to create this marinade.  It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

While each Jamaican family closely guards its secret recipe, we’re happy to share ours with you. If you’re the adventurous type, you can always kick-up the heat by increasing the chili flakes and black pepper.

So, break out the flip-flops, grab your sunglasses, sit out on the patio, and enjoy the island experience at home.  Let your fork do the traveling!

Recipe: Jerk Chicken

Ingredients:

3 pounds boneless, skinless Chicken, cut into serving pieces*
1 Onion
2 cloves Garlic
2 tsp. dried Chili Flakes
2 tsp. Allspice
2 tsp. Black Pepper
2 tsp. Nutmeg
2 tsp. Cinnamon
2 tsp. dried Thyme
2 tsp. Salt
¼ cup Vegetable Oil
¼ cup Lime Juice
¼ cup Brown Sugar
¼ cup Soy Sauce

Directions:

Dice onion and garlic and place in a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the chicken, and mix together. This is the marinade for your chicken.

Place chicken in a casserole and pour the marinade over the top. Make sure the chicken is entirely coated, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350-375 degrees and cook chicken covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook an additional 15-20 minutes. Delicious served over rice.

Serves 5-6

*Of course, you can substitute your favorite cuts of chicken.

Calories:
Chicken 1320; Onion 64, Garlic 8, Spices 0, Oil 481, Lime Juice 16, Brown Sugar 209, Soy Sauce 34.
TOTAL = 2132 that's approx 425 per serving!