How To Cook Jerk Chicken On Charcoal Grill

Grilling at its Finest: The Art of Cooking Jerk Chicken on a Charcoal Grill

There’s something magical about the smoky aroma and mouthwatering flavors that a charcoal grill imparts on food. If you’re a fan of bold, spicy, and unforgettable Caribbean cuisine, then learning how to cook jerk chicken on a charcoal grill is a must for you. Here, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of achieving that irresistible jerk chicken perfection.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you embark on your culinary adventure, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients for creating the perfect jerk marinade. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 pounds of chicken (preferably skin-on, bone-in cuts for maximum flavor)
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust quantity to your desired level of heat)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of salt

The Marinade Magic

To create the authentic flavors of jerk chicken, it’s all about the marinade. Follow these steps:

1. In a food processor, combine the onion, scallions, garlic cloves, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme leaves, soy sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Pulse the ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
5. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Fire Up the Charcoal Grill

Now for the exciting part – grilling your jerk chicken to perfection on a charcoal grill:

1. Prepare your grill by lighting the charcoal and letting it burn until it reaches a medium-high heat.
2. Arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill, creating a 2-zone fire (direct heat on one side, indirect heat on the other).
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
4. Grill the chicken over direct heat for about 5 minutes on each side to achieve a nice char.
5. Move the chicken to the indirect heat side of the grill and cover it with the lid.
6. Cook the chicken for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
7. Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juiciness.

Serve and Savor

Once the cooking is complete, it’s time to indulge in the explosive flavors of your homemade jerk chicken. Serve it alongside traditional Jamaican accompaniments like rice and peas, grilled plantains, or a refreshing tropical salad. Don’t forget to have a cool beverage on hand to balance the heat of the jerk seasoning.

Now that you have mastered the art of cooking jerk chicken on a charcoal grill, it’s time to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dish. Let the smoky flavors, fiery spices, and tender meat transport you to the vibrant streets of the Caribbean. Happy grilling!