Once You Try Jerk Chicken This Way There Is No Going Back

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to make delicious jerk chicken using a flavorful marinade and a unique jerk butter sauce. This recipe stands out for its vibrant flavors and is sure to become a favorite. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create a memorable dish that you can enjoy time and again.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

To create the jerk chicken marinade, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 bunches scallions
• 1 large onion
• 2 habanero peppers (or scotch bonnet if available)
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme
• 10 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon allspice

Steps to Blend the Marinade

1. Chop Ingredients: Prepare the scallions by cutting them into thirds, quarter the onion, and remove the tops from the habanero peppers. Peel the garlic cloves.
2. Juice Citrus: Hand squeeze the oranges and limes to extract their juices.
3. Blend: In a blender, combine all the ingredients (except the spices) and blend until smooth.
4. Reserve Marinade: Save 25% of the marinade for the jerk butter sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Use two whole chickens with the spines removed for this recipe.

Steps for Chicken Preparation

1. Remove Spines: Using heavy-duty kitchen shears, cut along the spine of each chicken to remove it. Save the spines for roasting, if desired.
2. Flatten the Chicken: Flip the chicken over and press down to flatten it, creating a more even cooking surface.
3. Apply Marinade and Spices:
   • Dust the chicken skin with the reserved spices.
   • Apply the marinade inside the cavity and all over the chicken, making sure to get into all crevices.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Marinate: Place the chickens in a container and pour the remaining marinade over them. Ensure they are well-coated.
2. Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 12 hours, ideally 24 to 48 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Initial Cooking: Preheat your smoker or grill to 200°F (93°C) and place the chicken inside. Cook for one hour.
2. Increase Temperature: After one hour, raise the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for another hour. Keep the marinade on the chicken throughout the cooking process.

Step 5: Prepare the Jerk Butter Sauce

1. Cook the Marinade: In a pot over medium heat, pour in the reserved marinade. Cook until it has reduced by about 50%.
2. Add Butter: Lower the heat and whisk in cold unsalted butter until it’s fully melted and combined, balancing the acidity of the marinade.

Step 6: Serve the Chicken

1. Glaze the Chicken: Brush the jerk butter sauce over the chicken before serving. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side.
2. Enjoy: Slice and serve the jerk chicken with your favorite sides.

Conclusion

You've successfully made jerk chicken that is bursting with flavor. The key steps include preparing a rich marinade, allowing enough time for marination, and balancing the sauce with butter. Enjoy your delicious jerk chicken and consider experimenting with different sides or variations of this recipe in the future!