Island Grilled Jerk Chicken Recipes

CARIBBEAN JERK CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first seven ingredients. Remove skin from chicken; if desired, use a sharp knife to cut through the leg quarter joints. Add chicken to marinade; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate at least 2 hours., Drain chicken, discarding marinade. Place chicken on greased grill rack; cook, covered, over medium heat 35-45 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°-175°, turning occasionally.

ISLAND GRILLED JERK CHICKEN

Steps:

• Wash the chicken and pat it dry. Cut each breast in half lengthwise, then each half into two strips (can do more if the breast is really thick/wide, looking for about a 1/2 inch strip or even a little less).
• Place the strips in a storage bag.
• Combine the soy sauce and next eight ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.
• It's going to be an icky green color, don't fear as I initially did!
• Pour mixture into the bag over the chicken, seal and marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours; squish around a few times over the marinating period.
• Preheat grill to medium high heat.
• Thread chicken strips on skewers, place on grill over direct heat, close lid.
• Grill on each side until done (approx. 5 minutes per side).

JERK CHICKEN

Steps:

• At least 1 day before cooking, pat chicken dry with paper towels. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and grind to a coarse paste. Slather all over chicken, including under skin. Refrigerate 12 to 36 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking and lightly sprinkle with more salt and ground allspice.
• Prepare a charcoal grill: Clean and oil grates, and preheat to medium heat using one chimney of charcoal. The temperature can start as high as 300 degrees and go as low as 250. For best results, coals should be at least 12 inches away from chicken. If necessary, push coals to one side of grill to create indirect heat. Add two large handfuls of soaked pimento (allspice) wood sticks and chips (see note) or other aromatic wood chips to coals, then close grill. When thick white smoke billows from grill, place chicken on grate, skin side up, and cover. Let cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes.
• Uncover grill. Chicken will be golden and mahogany in places. Chicken thighs may already be cooked through. For other cuts, turn chicken over and add more wood chips, and charcoal if needed. Cover and continue cooking, checking and turning every 10 minutes. Jerk chicken is done when skin is burnished brown and chicken juices are completely clear, with no pink near the bone. For large pieces, this can take up to an hour. Serve hot or warm, with rice and beans.