Walkerswood Jerk Chicken

Walkerswood jerk chicken is a especially beloved main dish in Jamaica that is making its way up the popularity rankings in North America. Using a blend of Scotch Bonnet peppers, allspice, scallions, and ginger, this flavorful, spicy, smoky dish is easy to prepare and can take on a variety of forms to please every palate.

Jerk Spice Mixture

Jerk chicken can be cooked in a varity of ways, but the most important element is the jerk spice mix. This recipe from Jamaica utilizes a blend of of fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, pungent onions, aromatic allspice and nutmeg, sharp ginger, and savoury garlic. In a blender, combine all ingredients for and blend until a thick, paste-like mixture is formed. The mixture can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. For this recipe, we will use:

  • 2 teaspoons of onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
  • 4 scallions, minced
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and deveined
  • 5 scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and deveined
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of white vinegar

Marinating the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the jerk spice mixture and the chicken pieces. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. If marinating overnight, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. If marinating for only a few hours, cover the bowl with aluminum foil and allow to marinate at room temperature.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, the dish is ready to be cooked! The easiest way to prepare Walkerswood jerk chicken is to bake it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking dish and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and golden on the outside.

Alternatively, jerk chicken can also be cooked outdoors by grilling. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until cooked through and golden on the outside.

Serving

When the chicken is done cooking, it is ready to be served! Traditionally, jerk chicken is served with a side of white rice, fried plantains, and steamed vegetables. Enjoy!