BEST Jerk Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Introduction :

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, jerk seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.
4. Grill chicken, skin side down, for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with cilantro lime sauce on the side.

Expert Tips for Serving and Storage:

• Serve Jerk Chicken hot off the grill, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Make extra marinade to brush over the chicken while grilling for added flavor.

Nutritional and Health Benefits:

• Chicken is a lean source of protein and is rich in essential nutrients like niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.
• The marinade’s ingredients, such as ginger, garlic, and lime juice, provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Variations to Explore:

• Customize the spice level of the marinade by adjusting the amount of jerk seasoning or adding extra chili peppers for more heat.
• Swap chicken thighs and drumsticks for chicken breasts or wings if preferred.
• Experiment with different herbs and citrus flavors in the cilantro lime sauce, such as mint or orange juice.

Conclusion:

Our BEST Jerk Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce recipe offers a tantalizing taste of the Caribbean, combining bold spices with juicy grilled chicken and a refreshing cilantro lime sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts or any time you crave a burst of flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is jerk seasoning made of?
   • Jerk seasoning typically consists of a blend of spices such as allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The exact ingredients can vary depending on the recipe and personal preferences.
2. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. However, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces tend to be more flavorful and juicy when grilled.
3. How spicy is jerk chicken?
   • Jerk chicken can range from mildly spicy to very spicy, depending on the amount of scotch bonnet peppers or other spicy ingredients used in the jerk seasoning. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less peppers to the marinade.
4. How long should I marinate the chicken?
   • It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. Longer marinating times can result in more flavorful chicken.
5. Can I make the cilantro lime sauce ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the cilantro lime sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Resources :

1. Jerk Chicken Recipe – CaribbeanPot
2. Jamaican Jerk Chicken – Immaculate Bites
3. Grilled Jerk Chicken – Food Network
4. Easy Jerk Chicken – Allrecipes
5. Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken – Once Upon a Chef 

More you’ll love

• Chocolate Coffee Bark Candy Recipe
• Small-Batch Macaroni Salad Recipe

BEST Jerk Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of the Caribbean with our BEST Jerk Chicken recipe, served with a zesty cilantro lime sauce. This dish features tender and juicy chicken marinated in a fiery blend of spices, then grilled to perfection. Paired with the refreshing tang of cilantro lime sauce, this culinary masterpiece is a true delight for the senses.

• Author: Jessica
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time: 2 hours )
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Caribbean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, jerk seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.
4. Grill chicken, skin side down, for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with cilantro lime sauce on the side.

Notes

• For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal or wood chips.
• Ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked safely.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh and 1 chicken drumstick
• Calories: 300 kcal per serving
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: BEST Jerk Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce