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Jerk Chicken

April 5, 2017 By Patricia 52 Comments

How fun is it when you get a peek into the life of one of your favorite actors, musicians, teachers, or fill in the blank with someone you admire? Even better when you can “share” a delicious meal with them, like this recipe for jerk chicken from musician Ziggy Marley!

Jerk chicken makes a delicious meal. It's quite easy to make, too.

I’m a fan of the musical Marleys — Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Damian Marley — so I was amped when the folks from AARP The Magazine contacted me to share Ziggy’s (Mr. Marley’s?) recipe for jerk chicken.

AARP included his recipe in its publication last month, and now I’m sharing it here. In the feature Ziggy notes, “After Friday-night dances when I was a teenager in Jamaica, jerk chicken kept the party going late into the evening.”

He says, “Driving home after a night out, we’d stop at a place by the side of the road. Men had fashioned grills out of oil drums. They smothered the chicken with a spicy rub.”

Jerk chicken is a fab dish for the family. There are so many great flavors included.

Sounds a little like my college days, except we’d stop for gyros sold from street carts on the side of the road. During the winter in Ohio, we’d hustle from the car to the carts and back to the car again since the temps could be brutal!

We’d devour the gyros in the car and, inevitably, someone would spill some gyro fillings. Of course this wouldn’t be discovered until the next day, when the stench of misplaced onions hit you like a wall as you opened your car door. Fun times!

Jerk chicken is a fab dish that's perfect for grilling season! You'll love the flavors!

Thinking back to the good old days has me craving a street cart gyro! Not exactly the same, but these Greek nachos with tzatziki sauce are a fun treat with similar flavors. 

Ziggy’s jerk chicken recipe calls for Scotch bonnet peppers (h-o-t!) as part of the rub, but I used habanero peppers instead – still hot, but more manageable for me. If you love peppers and you’re looking for a great appetizer, try this recipe for blistered shishito peppers with smoky paprika aioli. They’re so fun to snack on!

I have learned my lesson when cooking with hot peppers, and I was sure to wear gloves when removing the seeds and membrane from these habaneros. My eyes watered a bit as I cut them, but the rub for the chicken turned out delicious and easy to enjoy (delicious served with a cold beer)!

Jerk chicken is an easy and delicious main dish to serve. You'll love how easy it is to make!

This recipe is really easy to make and there are so many great flavors included in the rub. Serve this chicken with lemon slices to squeeze over the top of the chicken. It adds a bright flavor to the dish.

I really liked a final thought in the article: “The garden is the foundation of my cooking,” says Ziggy. “I grow lots of things: tomatoes, beans, rosemary and peppers. If you can grow it yourself, grow it yourself — it’s very fresh, very natural. Growing something on your own helps you appreciate it more.” 

I hope you’ll try recipe for jerk chicken. Put on some reggae music and enjoy!

Jerk chicken is the way to go when you're looking for a great recipe for the grill. The flavors are terrific!

Nutrition

Calories

29 cal

Fat

1 g

Carbs

2 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Ziggy Marley

Yields Serves 6

Jerk Chicken
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Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 habanero peppers, seeds and membrane removed (I suggest wearing food-grade gloves when cutting them)
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 lemon, sliced into 4 to 6 pieces, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Add the peppers, garlic, salt, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, dried and fresh thyme, scallions, and coconut oil to a food processor. Blend to form a paste.
  3. Use your hands (I suggest wearing food-grade gloves to put the rub on the chicken) to smooth the paste over booth sides of the pieces of chicken.
  4. Grill the chicken pieces over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly cooked.
  5. Serve with lemon slices as garnish.
7.8.1.2
146
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/jerk-chicken/

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Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Recipes Tagged With: chicken, grilled chicken, Grilling, jerk recipes, Ziggy Marley

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Comments

  1. Candy says

    April 5, 2017 at 2:10 pm

    We love jerk chicken especially during summer
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 12, 2017 at 12:37 am

      It's so tasty AND easy to make! Win-win! Thanks, Candy!
      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    April 5, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    This sounds like a must try to me! I love a little kick to my food!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:20 am

      Thanks, Michelle! the nice thing about this dish is that it's not too spicy, but big on flavor!
      Reply
  3. Heather says

    April 5, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    I LOVE jerk chicken, and this looks like such a flavorful recipe
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:20 am

      Hi Heather! This was BIG on flavor, and so easy to make!
      Reply
  4. Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says

    April 5, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    I'm loving all of these flavors!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:19 am

      Thanks, Jessica!
      Reply
  5. Akamatra says

    April 5, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    This looks mouthwatering! I would change the asparagus with broccoli since I don't like them though. Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:19 am

      Hi, Akamatra! This was a very tasty meal! I think broccoli would be wonderful with it!
      Reply
  6. Nellwyn says

    April 5, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    I love Jerk Chicken but I've never tried making it myself before. Will definitely have to try your recipe.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:18 am

      Hi, Nellwyn! I never knew it could be so easy to make! Hope you give it a go!
      Reply
  7. Divya says

    April 5, 2017 at 6:09 pm

    Oh, YUM. I WANT THIS FOR DINNER. I've only had jerk chicken once in my life. When I was in NY. And it was so delicious. I didn't realize it wasn't all that complicated to make!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:18 am

      Hi Divya! I know! I never knew it was so easy to make! I hope you try it :)
      Reply
  8. Mira says

    April 5, 2017 at 7:08 pm

    I didn't know making jerk seasoning was so easy! It always sounds so tropical and foreign to me :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:17 am

      I'm with you, Mira. I thought the same thing! It was so easy, and it tasted great!
      Reply
  9. Carly says

    April 5, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    I know what I'm making for dinner tonight! This looks and sounds amazing! Carly | www.thecarlycollective.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:16 am

      Thanks so much, Carly! Enjoy!
      Reply
  10. Ola says

    April 5, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    Yes ma'am I LOVE jerk chicken. This recipe looks delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:16 am

      Aw, thanks a bunch, Ola!
      Reply
  11. Des @ Lifes Ambrosia says

    April 5, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    This chicken looks soooo good! I love the spiciness of jerk chicken!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:16 am

      Thanks, Des! I love it too -- so flavorful!
      Reply
  12. Ashley says

    April 5, 2017 at 9:40 pm

    This is great! I was married in Jamaica and continue to go back there each time hubs and I take a Couples Vacation (minus the kids). I will have to try this recipe and see if it's like they make on the Island :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:15 am

      Thanks, Ashley! How wonderful! If you try it, let me know what you think
      Reply
  13. Kennedy Lazar says

    April 5, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    Looks delicious! Those photos make it look even better!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:14 am

      Thanks so much, Kennedy!
      Reply
  14. Dee says

    April 5, 2017 at 11:54 pm

    I love spicy food, and this chicken looks amazing!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 12:14 am

      Thanks, Dee! It's really tasty!
      Reply
  15. Jen says

    April 6, 2017 at 1:52 am

    I'm the only one in my house who loves all things spicy but I'm still making this for dinner :) A girl has to keep trying to bring at least one over to the spicier side, right?!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      That's right, Jen! Actually, this dish isn't so spicy that it's not enjoyable - know what I mean? Hope you and yours like it!
      Reply
  16. katerina @ diethood.com says

    April 6, 2017 at 10:30 am

    I LOVE Jerk Chicken!! This recipe sounds fantastic!! Can't wait to try it!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks, Katerina! It's so easy to make, too! :)
      Reply
  17. bel says

    April 6, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    Ever since I got to the Caribbean, I've use so much jerk chicken spice I should be arrested. I had one taste and I was in love. Yours looks more presentable obviously. Mine was a mess cus I was eating it at home otherwise, I think mine was delicious.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      All that matters is that it's good, right? Ha! Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Reply
  18. Natasha says

    April 6, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    I've always wanted to make jerk chicken...this looks so delicious! Thanks for the tip about wearing gloves, I wouldn't have known to do that with peppers. Though it makes perfect sense.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Natasha! Yes, for sure - definitely wear gloves! Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Reply
  19. Marisa says

    April 6, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    I'm so glad you shared this. I've been wanting to make this for my husband to be because he loves hot stuff! This recipe looks amazing!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 6, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Thanks, Marisa! I loved how easy it was to make!
      Reply
  20. Sheri says

    April 6, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    Oh yum this looks so good I could practically lift it off the screen to eat. I am definitely trying this as I am sure it will be delicious. It will be my first time making Jerk Chicken so I hope I can get it to turn out well. . Sheri - http://www.abusybeeslife.com/
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 7, 2017 at 3:39 am

      Thanks, Sheri! It was my first time, too, and this recipe is sooo easy! Hope you love it!
      Reply
  21. Kristen Kavan says

    April 6, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    I'm with ya, I love the Marleys too! This recipe sounds so great. I love anything with a kick!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 7, 2017 at 3:39 am

      Thanks, Kristen! The recipe really is fab! :)
      Reply
  22. cathy says

    April 7, 2017 at 4:47 am

    This is perfect weekend food.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 9, 2017 at 3:47 pm

      For sure!! Thanks, Cathy!
      Reply
  23. Jennifer L says

    April 7, 2017 at 5:34 am

    Omg this looks so good! This is a great recipe for the weather being so warm.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 9, 2017 at 3:47 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! Great for grilling season!
      Reply
  24. Shobika says

    April 7, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    Oh my! This looks so good, I just had to save it! I'm a huge fan of jerk chicken so I must try this at home! I've pinned it to my board as well! Thank you for sharing! xoxo
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 9, 2017 at 3:47 pm

      Thanks so much, Shobika! This is an easy recipe to make, too!
      Reply
  25. Breyona Sharpnack says

    April 9, 2017 at 1:54 am

    I love jerk chicken. it has the right amount of spices and flavors!!! Yours looks yummy
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 9, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      It's so good! Thanks so much, Breyona!
      Reply
  26. Elizabeth Conte-Vitullo says

    April 26, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    I am going to make this Friday to start of our "Girls Weekend". We are planning to have Key Lime Pie Martinis along with it!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      April 26, 2017 at 10:17 pm

      Hope you all like it! I wish I could join you for those martinis Have fun!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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