Jerk chicken is not only a meal; it is a true culinary artwork, giving Caribbean cuisine all the honor it deserves. Being one of the most renowned dishes of the West Indies, Jamaican jerk chicken is known for its balanced combination of spices, robust heat, and fabulously moist meat. The authenticity of the dish keeps in line with Jamaican traditions, yet there’s always a wide variety of recipes. At the same time, everybody finds something in it for their taste. However, the fundamental aspect in jerk chicken’s preparation is its marinade, a delicious blend of spices and seasonings that gives the meat great flavor and spiciness. From the earliest times, the chicken has been prepared and cooked over a wood fire until it gets slightly charred outside but still juicy and succulent inside. These techniques and the resulting taste transport you to the dance of the waves on the beaches of the Caribbean Sunset in a snap.

Nutrients:

• Protein: 29 grams
• Carbohydrates: 14 grams
• Fat: 23 grams

Ingredients:

Serving for 4 persons

• 1000 gm chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings)
• 1/2 cup jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see below)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

How To Cook:

• In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped green onions, thyme leaves, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and orange juice. Mix well to make the marinade.
• Add chicken pieces and coat them in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 4 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Though pimento wood is traditionally used for grilling jerk chicken in Jamaica, as it imparts a unique smoky flavor to the meat, we are using air fryer to make the cooking easier. However, you may not achieve the same smoky flavor as you would from grilling over an open flame.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve the jerk chicken hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken. You can also sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for added flavor and garnish, if desired.
• Serve the jerk chicken with your favorite sides, like rice and peas, coleslaw, or fried plantains. Enjoy!

Jerk chicken is a manifestation of the Caribbean food, celebrated for its vivid taste, hot chili pepper, and succulent, tender pieces of meat. One way or another, we all love it to make us happy on a sunny place like Jamaica or to make our days special in our home.So why wait? Jerk chicken is the dish to pick and try if you want to have Caribbean food with great spicy taste all at once!