Taste The Caribbean With This Authentic Jerk Chicken Recipe
Quick and Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Meal
Ready to bring the bold flavours of Jamaica to your kitchen? Follow this straightforward guide to create a delicious and authentic jerk chicken that’s perfect for any meal. This easy jerk chicken recipe will take you through each step, from preparing a tangy slaw to cooking the chicken to perfection. Let’s get started!
Ingredients List
To make this easy jerk chicken marinade recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring out the bold, spicy flavors. These quantities are per person, so be sure to adjust them based on how many people you’re serving.
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 boneless chicken thigh
- 10g jerk seasoning
- 40g red cabbage
- ½ red onion
- 5g coriander
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Equipment List
With the right tools, you can elevate this best jerk chicken recipe. It’s important to use top crockery to enhance the dish’s authentic Caribbean flavour. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 White chopping board
- 1 Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons (teaspoon & tablespoon)
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Cooking spoon
- 1 Red chopping board
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Turner
- Hotplate/Stove required
- Small reusable ingredient pots
- Bento Box (If you plan to store the dish/serve for office/school lunch)
Allergy Considerations
This traditional jerk chicken recipe contains gluten and dairy, making it unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dairy allergies. Additionally, it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the inclusion of chicken. Explore our recipe page for alternative options that cater to your dietary needs.
Quick & Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe UK For Home Cooks
Step One: Prepare the Slaw
Start by thinly slicing the red cabbage and red onion – the thinner, the better! Thin slices absorb the jerk chicken sauce better, adding a delicious crunch to the dish.
Step Two: Make the Slaw Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1.5 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir the mixture well until the sugar dissolves, forming a sweet and tangy dressing that complements the spice of the jerk chicken breast recipe.
Chef Tip: If you prefer a bit of extra heat, add a pinch of jerk chicken seasoning to the slaw for an added kick.
Step Three: Toss the Cabbage and Onion
Throw the sliced cabbage and onion into the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each slice is coated evenly with the dressing. This flavorful slaw will balance the spiciness of your recipe for jerk chicken. Set the slaw aside in one section of your bento box.
Step Four: Prepare the Jerk Chicken Coating
In the same bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 10g of jerk seasoning. This blend will serve as the perfect jerk chicken seasoning recipe, creating a flavorful crust on your chicken.
Step Five: Coat the Chicken
Take your boneless chicken thigh and place it into the bowl. Rub the seasoning mix into the chicken, ensuring that every part is covered. The marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavours that are essential to any authentic jerk chicken recipe.
Chef Tip: If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs, slightly reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Step Six: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. You’re aiming for a beautifully golden, slightly crisp exterior, which locks in the juicy, spicy flavors from the jerk chicken seasoning recipe.
Chef Tip: For extra flavour, baste the chicken with any leftover marinade or jerk chicken sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step Seven: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to the bento box alongside your fresh cabbage slaw. This jerk chicken recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner with bold Caribbean flavours. Enjoy!
Plating Recommendations
Get free quotes from local chefs
Whether you're hosting a special celebration dinner, looking for a chef during your holiday or weekly meal prep, we will match you to the perfect chefs.
Start here- Create a Vibrant Presentation
Arrange the jerk chicken on a platter with the cabbage slaw on the side. The colourful slaw contrasts beautifully with the dark, spicy chicken. For an added touch, our Caribbean-specialised private chefs recommend drizzling some of the jerk chicken sauce over the chicken to enhance both flavour and appearance. - Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle fresh coriander or parsley over the chicken to add a pop of green and a burst of freshness. This simple garnish complements the spices and is the perfect touch to this jerk chicken recipe easy. - Add a Citrus Twist
Place lime or lemon wedges on the plate. A squeeze of citrus not only adds a zesty flavour that brightens up the dish but also visually enhances the presentation. - Use Attractive Serving Dishes
Consider using a bento box or a rustic wooden board to serve your jerk chicken. These options not only keep the meal organized but also add a touch of style to your dining experience. - Pair with Complementary Sides
Serve your jerk chicken alongside traditional sides like rice and peas or plantains for a complete Caribbean experience. These sides enhance the overall meal and make it more filling. You can repurpose the jerk chicken sauce recipe to enhance your sides.
Elevate Your Jerk Chicken Adventure with Expert Help
Trying your hand at a traditional jerk chicken recipe can be a rewarding culinary adventure, especially when you’re eager to explore the bold flavors of Jamaican cuisine. However, trying out a new cuisine can become a little overwhelming if you’re cooking for a larger group or important celebration.
Craving some authentic jerk chicken but unsure how to cook it up? Consider hiring a private chef to handle the cooking for you.
Whether you’re looking for a Super Chef like Chef Shaloma, who has worked under industry experts like Gordon Ramsey, or a more homely Caribbean private chef, Yhangry has it all! Browse through our collection of private chefs for Caribbean food and curate the perfect authentic experience today!
- What is the original cooking technique for jerk?
-
The original cooking technique for jerk involves seasoning meat with a spicy blend of herbs and spices and slow-cooking it over a fire or hot coals. This traditional method allows the meat to absorb the smoky flavors from the pimento wood, creating an authentic jerk chicken recipe. For a modern twist, you might use an easy jerk chicken recipe that adapts this technique for home kitchens.
- What is the secret in jerk chicken?
-
The secret to jerk chicken lies in its flavorful marinade, which combines spices like Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme. This jerk chicken sauce recipe is crucial for achieving the deep, aromatic flavours that make the dish so special. Marinating the chicken well before cooking enhances the flavours, whether you’re following an authentic jerk chicken recipe or an easy jerk chicken recipe UK-style.
- What is the difference between jerk seasoning and jerk marinade?
-
Jerk seasoning is a dry spice blend used to rub onto meat for a flavorful crust, while jerk marinade is a wet mixture that includes the seasoning along with vinegar, soy sauce, and oil. The marinade not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps tenderize it, creating a richer taste. Both are essential, but a jerk chicken recipe UK would likely only use one or the other.
