Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken With Allspice Berries

Dive into the vibrant world of Caribbean cuisine with the Hairy Bikers' take on Jerk Chicken, a dish that's not just a meal but a cultural journey. Infused with the warmth of allspice berries and the heat of Scotch Bonnet chiles, this recipe promises an authentic taste of Jamaica from the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Jerk Chicken With Allspice Berries:

• Allspice berries, coarsely ground: 1.5 tablespoon
• Large yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• Scallions, chopped: 5
• Scotch Bonnet Chiles (or Habanero peppers if Scotch Bonnets are unavailable), chopped: 2
• Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped: 3
• Chinese five-spice powder: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh ground black pepper: 1 tablespoon
• Ground nutmeg: 1 teaspoon
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1.5 teaspoon
• Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Olive or vegetable oil, divided: 4 tablespoons
• Soy sauce: 1.5 tablespoon
• Whole chickens (approximately 4 pounds each), quartered: 2
• Fresh lime juice, for serving

Preparation Instructions:

1. Begin by grinding the allspice berries. You can use a small food processor or a spice grinder for this task. Once ground, combine them with the onion, scallions, chiles, garlic, five-spice, black pepper, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and sugar in a large food processor. Process until coarsely chopped and mixed.
2. With the processor running, add 2 tablespoons of oil and the soy sauce, ensuring a smooth blend of the marinade.
3. Marinate the chicken pieces by drizzling them with the remaining oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then cover them in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. When ready to cook, bring the chicken to room temperature, then grill over medium-high heat, discarding the used marinade. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 157-160°F, then let rest covered for a few minutes before serving.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store the cooked Jerk Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warm throughout, or on a grill over medium heat, ensuring the chicken is heated evenly.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving of this flavorful Jerk Chicken is estimated to contain 531 calories, with a breakdown of 4g carbohydrates, 38g protein, and 39g fat, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that's rich in spices and flavors.

FAQ about the Jerk Chicken With Allspice Berries:

• Can I use different parts of chicken? Yes, you can use your preferred chicken parts, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Is it possible to make this dish less spicy? Yes, adjust the amount of Scotch Bonnet chiles according to your heat preference.
• Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time? Absolutely, preparing the marinade ahead of time and marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavors.

Enjoy this Jerk Chicken with traditional sides like rice and peas, plantains, or a fresh salad for a complete Caribbean feast.

Original recipe inspired by the culinary creativity of Jessica Randhawa from The Forked Spoon, Jessica Formicola of Savory Experiments, and Kimberly Killebrew of The Daring Gourmet​​​​​​.