Jerk Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries

Jerk Chicken is one of Jamaica’s great contributions to the culinary world. While the marinade has a bunch of ingredients, it’s relatively easy to make, and it’s great.
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Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 4
Difficulty Medium

UNITS

SCALE

INGREDIENTS

JERK CHICKEN

  • 2 Green onions
  • 2 cloves Garlic , minced
  • 1 Jalapeno , chopped
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil , extra virgin
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar , packed
  • 1 ½ tsp Allspice, ground
  • 1 tsp Thyme , dried
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon , ground
  • To taste Salt
  • 2 tbsp Water
  • 8 pieces Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

SWEET POTATO FRIES

  • 1 ½ lbs Sweet potato , cut into wedges
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil , extra virgin
  • 1 ½ tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Neutral oil
  • For garnish Green onion , sliced

METHOD

  • In a blender, combine green onions, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and water. Blend until smooth. Set aside ¼ cup.
  • In a shallow dish, add chicken and season with salt. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat. Place in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 230°C / 450°F. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes with olive oil. Add salt, chili powder and paprika. Use your hands to mix, so all pieces are coated.
  • On a baking sheet, spread sweet potatoes out in a single layer. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
  • Heat grill to medium-high and grease grates with neutral oil. Grill chicken, turning occasionally until chicken is charred in spots, about 10 minutes.
  • Move chicken to a cooler part of the grill and brush with reserved marinade. Grill, covered until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C / 165°F, about 10 to 15 minutes more. (Go to Step 11 or if you don’t have a barbecue, see steps 8-10).
  • In a large skillet, heat neutral oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Place chicken in skillet, skin side down, and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium-high; continue cooking skin side down for 5 – 7 minutes or until skin is brown.
  • Transfer skillet to preheated oven and cook 10 more minutes. Flip chicken. Cook until meat reaches an internal temperature of 75°C / 165°F, about 5 minutes more.
  • Transfer to a plate; let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish chicken with sliced green onion. Serve with sweet potato fries.

NOTES

  • Alternatively, you can use a mix of chicken thighs and drumsticks 
  • Aioli makes a great accompaniment for the fries
  • Swiss chard also pairs well with Jerk chicken