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shortcut jamaican jerk chicken marinade copycat recipe

Shortcut Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade

When it comes to grilling season, jerk chicken reigns supreme. You can hardly go to a summer picnic or barbecue without catching the smoky scent wafting through the air.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean, Jamaican
Servings 10
Calories 20 kcal

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 10 whole chicken drumsticks
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
  • 2 teaspoons smoked sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice berries
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger root
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon bark
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start with clean chicken drumsticks. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the marinade adhere better.

Step 2: Whisk the Marinade

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Make sure to whisk them thoroughly. The olive oil will help the spices emulsify, creating a luscious coating for your chicken.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the drumsticks in the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, if you can spare the time, you can marinate them for a few hours or overnight.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

  • While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken without burning, creating that beautiful crust.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

  • Once the grill is ready, take the chicken out of the marinade. Shake off excess marinade before placing it on the grill. Grill the drumsticks for about 30 minutes, turning frequently, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are beautifully charred.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  • Let your jerk chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Enjoy it with your chosen sides!

Notes

  • Let It Marinate Longer: If time allows, letting the chicken rest in the marinade overnight can deepen the flavor even more.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh thyme and oregano, use them instead of dried. They add vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t replicate.
  • Experiment with Heat Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. Start low if you're unsure.
  • Bring to Room Temperature: Before grilling, let the chicken sit out for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
  • Invest in a Meat Thermometer: This inexpensive tool is invaluable. It ensures your chicken is thoroughly cooked without drying it out.

Nutrition

Calories: 20kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 400mgFiber: 3g
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