NO-FUSS JERK CHICKEN

No-Fuss Jerk Chicken image

Jerk chicken - spicy and grilled - is a dish for which Jamaica is justly famous, though it is made across the Caribbean basin and has been for more than 400 years. The pungent marinade includes lots of allspice (called pimento in the islands), black pepper and clove, but gets an even bigger kick from ultra-spicy yellow Scotch bonnet peppers, similar in shape and intensity to habanero chiles. You can certainly grill it in the island manner. But this easy recipe puts the chicken in the oven instead, which fills the kitchen with intoxicating flavors. Vacation on a plate.

Provided by David Tanis

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 tablespoons allspice berries
1 tablespoon thyme leaves
4 garlic cloves
2 Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, halved, stems removed
6 scallions, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 2-inch piece ginger, thickly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce, optional
Juice of 2 large limes (about 4 tablespoons)
6 large chicken legs, leg and thigh attached

Steps:

Put allspice, thyme, garlic, chiles, scallions, peppercorns, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, soy sauce and lime juice in a blender or food processor and grind to a rough paste.
Put chicken in a baking dish, add seasoning paste and coat chicken well, using a spoon. Cover and marinate, refrigerated, for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Heat oven to 350 degrees and bring chicken to room temperature. Turn chicken once more in marinade to coat well, then put baking dish in the oven, uncovered. Bake for 1 hour or until well browned and juices run clear when probed with a paring knife. Put dish under the broiler for a minute or so to char chicken slightly. Remove and serve with coconut rice, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 365, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 482 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams