Jerk Chicken

Sometime back, when my kids were just born, I used to have a  Babysitter/Nanny to take care of them. She happens to be from Jamaica.  She taught me to make Jerk chicken,  Rice and peas, Ox tail.   She also introduced me to some Jamaican vegetables, which was something new to me, like Achee, Callaloo, Cho Cho and some root vegetables like casava.  Jerk chicken originates from Jamaica and the recipe depends on two major ingredients scotch bonnet peppers and allspice. The seasoning or the spice rub can be found in wet and dry form. You can either grill, barbeque or bake it in the conventional oven.  This recipe has lot of kick in it, basically the heat coming  from the super hot habeneros.  I reduce the heat content, when serving the kids.

Jerk chicken
Ingredients:
Chicken - 1 lb
All spice - 1 tbsp ground
Dried thyme - 1tsp
Cayenne pepper - 1 tsp
Black pepper-1 tsp
Sage -1 tsp ground
Nutmeg - 3/4 tsp ground
Cinnamon- 3/4 tsp ground
Garlic powder or fresh garlic - 2 tbsp
Sugar - 1 tsp
Olive oil - 3 tbsp
Soy sauce - 3 tbsp
White Vinegar - 3 tbsp
Orange juice - 3 tbsp
Lime juice -1 tbsp
Scotch bonnet pepper-1 (habanero)
Green onions -3 finely chopped
Onion - 1 cup finely chopped
Salt

Method:
1.In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients, allspice, thyme,cayenne pepper, black pepper, sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, garlic powder and sugar. while mixing with a wire whisk, Slowly add the liquids, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, orange juice, and lime juice.

2. Add the Scotch Bonnet pepper, onion, and mix well. Add the chicken, cover and marinate for at least 1 hour,overnite if possible.

3. Preheat the oven.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, set it up on a baking tray and put it in the oven at 350 deg F for 45 mins to 1 hr or until fully cooked. While in the oven, baste with the marinade. Bring the leftover marinade to a boil and serve on the side for dipping.

Caution! Scotch Bonnet peppers, also known as "Habaneros" are the hottest of the capsicum peppers. use with caution! Its more hotter if you split it open.

Tips: You can buy the Jerk chicken seasoning in the Jamaican store either wet mix or dry powder. It's easy and convenient way to make. It comes with all the seasoning including salt. If you are watching your salt intake , its good to make your own seasoning at home.