| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 6g | 1g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 2g | 32g | 1g |
There’s something uniquely captivating about the sweet and savoury harmony found in the Allspice Jamaican Jerk Chicken. As a Louisiana native with a deep love for flavors that tantalize, I find myself drawn to the complex symphony of tastes in this Caribbean masterpiece. I’m thrilled to share my deep appreciation for this recipe and uncover some of its magic.
A Melding of Flavours
The brilliance of the Allspice Jamaican Jerk Chicken lies in the nuanced blending of sweet, tangy, and spicy components. Evoking memories of balmy Caribbean nights, this recipe gives one’s palate a journey through the exotic spice routes. My Creole upbringing and French culinary influences drive my adoration for this recipe as it pulls together elements and techniques reminiscent of both cuisines. Whether it’s the warmth of cinnamon often featured in Creole dishes or the subtle heat of cayenne reminiscent of a southern French rouille, this dish accentuates my love for nuanced flavor profiles.
Healthy and Hearty
Not only does this dish provide an explosion of flavor, but it also boasts compelling health benefits. For example, the pineapple juice in the recipe doesn’t just lend a tropical sweetness but also stimulates digestion due to its rich bromelain content (source). Plus, allspice, the star of this dish, has been associated with antioxidant properties (source). Garlic, ginger, and green onions further boost the nutritional density of this dish, providing both taste and health benefits.
As a culinary enthusiast and a professional food blogger, I love pairing the Allspice Jamaican Jerk Chicken with a refreshing Jamaican-style rice and peas. The creamy texture and mild flavors of the rice dish perfectly complement the robust character of the chicken, allowing for a well-rounded meal experience.
In essence, the Allspice Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a testament to the culinary beauty that results from the marriage of seemingly different flavours. And it’s a recipe I return to, time and time again, whenever I need a vibrant yet comforting meal.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup of chopped fresh pineapple
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your chicken. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step Two
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, and olive oil. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Three
Into the liquid mixture, add the grated ginger, minced garlic, ground allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated.
Step Four
Add in the chopped green onions and fresh pineapple, stir together until well combined.
Step Five
Place the chicken breasts in a large zip lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Step Six
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it on the grill or in a baking dish if you’re using the oven.
Step Seven
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and it’s fully cooked. If you’re using an oven, bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Eight
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Allspice Jamaican Jerk Chicken!
