How To Cook Jerk Chicken On The Grill

Spice Up Your Grilling Game with Mouthwatering Jerk Chicken on the Grill

Are you ready to take your grilling skills to the next level? Look no further than Jamaican-inspired jerk chicken on the grill. This flavorful and spicy dish is guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your guests. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create a tantalizing jerk chicken right in your own backyard.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust if you prefer more or less heat)

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Begin by creating a marinade for your chicken. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, lime juice, jerk seasoning, minced garlic, grated ginger, allspice, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in an explosion of taste.

Preparing the Grill

While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C).

If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal in a two-zone fire, with the coals on one side and no coals on the other. This setup allows you to create both direct and indirect heat cooking zones, giving you more control over the grilling process.

For a gas grill, simply preheat the burners on one side of the grill and leave the other side off. This setup mimics the two-zone fire of a charcoal grill.

Cooking Your Jerk Chicken

Once the grill is hot, it’s time to cook your jerk chicken. Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This step ensures more even cooking and juicier meat.

Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill grates, directly over the heat source. Allow them to sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they develop a delicious char. To minimize sticking, oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on them or consider using a wire grill basket.

After searing, move the chicken thighs to the cooler, indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Adding the Finishing Touch

Now that your jerk chicken is perfectly grilled, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.

Serve your delicious jerk chicken with a side of coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing tropical salad. For an authentic Jamaican experience, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors as you take a bite of this tantalizing dish. Your friends and family won’t believe you cooked such a delicious meal right on your grill!

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your grill and bring the flavors of Jamaica to your backyard with this incredible jerk chicken recipe. Get ready to impress with your newfound grilling expertise!