Jamaican-Style Bbq Chicken: A Spicy, Sweet Summer Treat

Jamaican-style BBQ chicken is a delicious dish that combines the flavours of the Caribbean with a unique blend of spices and chillies. The key to this dish is the marinade, which typically includes ingredients such as soy sauce, allspice, nutmeg, Chinese five-spice powder, and Scotch bonnet peppers. The chicken is then grilled or baked, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish that can be served with rice and vegetables. Jamaican-style BBQ chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that is perfect for a summer meal or any special occasion. In this article, we will explore the ingredients and methods needed to create this mouth-watering dish, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure a delicious result.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, select the right cut of chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts work best. These cuts retain moisture and stay juicier during cooking. If you prefer crispier skin, feel free to remove the skin before marinating.

Next, prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine ingredients such as finely chopped or mashed onions, scallions, or garlic. Fresh herbs like thyme or spices like ginger, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and white pepper can be added to taste. For an extra kick, include Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers, but remember to handle them with care as they are extremely spicy. You can also add a splash of ginger ale, lime juice, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavours.

Now, it's time to add the chicken to the marinade. Using your hands or gloves, massage the marinade into the meat generously, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, but preferably overnight for the best results. This extended marination time ensures that the flavours penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in juicy and flavourful chicken.

Once the chicken has marinated, it's essential to bring it to room temperature before cooking. This step ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook through without drying out.

Finally, when you're ready to cook, follow the grilling or baking instructions specific to your chosen Jamaican BBQ chicken recipe. Remember to baste the chicken with your favourite BBQ sauce during the cooking process for that authentic, mouth-watering Caribbean flavour!

Making the BBQ sauce

Jamaican BBQ sauce is traditionally made from scratch and is characterised by its ketchup base with a kick of fresh ginger and scotch bonnet sauce. The sauce is brushed onto the chicken twice, giving it a rich colour and a sticky texture.

To make the BBQ sauce, you will need ketchup, grated onion, grated ginger, gravy master, pickapeppa sauce, and brown sugar. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, grated onion, grated ginger, gravy master, and pickapeppa sauce. Add the sugar last, and use a spoon to dissolve it into the sauce. You do not need to heat the sauce, but it is important to dissolve as much of the sugar as possible.

The sauce should have a thick consistency. If it is too runny, you can add more ketchup or a little honey to adjust the consistency. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as soy sauce, orange juice, or fish and meat sauce.

Once you have achieved the desired consistency and flavour, the sauce is ready to be brushed onto the chicken. It is important to coat the chicken entirely with the sauce, reserving half for the other side. After the first coating, the chicken is placed under the broiler for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to stick and give it a grilled appearance and flavour.

After 10 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven, turn each piece over, and brush the unsauced side with the remaining BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the oven for a further 10 minutes.

The BBQ sauce is a key component of Jamaican BBQ chicken, providing a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours that complement the juicy, well-seasoned meat.

Cooking the chicken

To cook the chicken, start by washing it with vinegar and water, then removing the skin. If you prefer crispy chicken, you can leave the skin on. Cut up your onions, garlic, and habanero peppers, and mix them with the chicken. Add oil and all-purpose seasoning, and mix with your hands. Cover the chicken with tin foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes at 350°F.

After 20 minutes, uncover the chicken and pour out any excess water that has formed at the bottom of the pan. Then, add your chosen barbecue sauce, honey, and ketchup until the mixture is thick enough. Use a spoon or a barbecue brush to add this mixture to the chicken.

Return the chicken to the oven and cook, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken pieces over and cook for a further 10 minutes.

Alternatively, you can cook the chicken on a preheated grill. Place the chicken, skin side up, on the cooler side of the grill and cook, covered, for 35-40 minutes, turning and moving occasionally to prevent burning. If the skin is not yet crispy, move the chicken, skin side down, to the hotter side of the grill for a few minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges.

Adding the BBQ sauce to the chicken

Now it's time to add the BBQ sauce to your chicken. This step is crucial, as it will give your chicken that distinctive Jamaican flavour and a beautiful colour. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, make sure you have prepared your BBQ sauce. A traditional Jamaican BBQ sauce is made with a ketchup base, freshly grated onions, ginger, and Scotch bonnet sauce. You can also add a little water to the sauce to thin it out. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Next, remove the chicken from the oven after it has cooked for about 45 minutes. Uncover the chicken and use a fork to remove any large bits of herbs or spices that may have stuck to it. Drain any excess water from the baking pan, leaving just a small amount, as this will create a delicious gravy as the chicken continues to cook.

Now, it's time to add the sauce to the chicken. Use a silicone brush to coat each piece of chicken generously with the BBQ sauce. Make sure to reserve about half of the sauce for the other side of the chicken.

Return the sauced chicken to the oven and place it under the broiler on a low setting for about 10 minutes. This step is essential, as it will give your chicken that beautiful grilled look and taste. Keep a close eye on the chicken, as anything placed under the broiler can easily burn.

After 10 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and carefully turn each piece over. Sauce the other side of the chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce, using your silicone brush to ensure even coverage.

Finally, return the chicken to the oven and place it under the broiler on a low setting for an additional 10 minutes. This will ensure that the sauce sticks to the chicken and give it that perfect, mouth-watering colour and flavour.

Your Jamaican-style BBQ chicken is now ready to be served! Plate it up and enjoy the delicious combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavours that characterise Jamaican cuisine. Serve it with rice and vegetables, or even in buns with extra barbecue sauce for a true taste of Jamaica.

Serving suggestions

Jamaican-style BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious and flavourful dish:

Rice and Vegetables

For a simple and satisfying meal, serve the BBQ chicken with a side of rice and vegetables. White rice cooked in coconut milk and seasonings is a great option to complement the flavours of the chicken. You can also opt for cilantro lime rice, which adds a refreshing twist to the dish. Steamed or grilled vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, or plantains can provide a healthy and colourful addition to the plate.

Black Bean Salad

For a summery and nutritious option, pair the BBQ chicken with a black bean salad. The combination of beans, corn, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette creates a refreshing and flavourful contrast to the spicy and smoky chicken. This option is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal during warmer months.

Buns with Shredded Chicken

Shred any leftover Jamaican-style BBQ chicken and stir it into a generous amount of barbecue sauce. Serve this saucy shredded chicken in toasted buns for a hearty and juicy sandwich. This option is perfect for using up leftovers and creating a casual and comforting meal.

Rice and Peas

Rice and peas is a traditional Jamaican side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken. The dish is made with rice cooked in coconut milk, thyme, and scallions, and is typically served with kidney beans or peas. This combination creates a hearty and flavourful meal that embodies the essence of Jamaican cuisine.

Sides and Accompaniments

In addition to the main dish, you can serve a variety of sides and accompaniments to enhance the dining experience. Some options include fried plantains, festival dumplings, or a fresh garden salad. For a true Jamaican experience, serve the chicken with a side of jerk festival sauce, a spicy and tangy dipping sauce made with scotch bonnet peppers and spices.

Drinks

To complement the flavours of the Jamaican-style BBQ chicken, consider serving refreshing drinks such as ginger beer, sorrel drink, or a cold Red Stripe beer. These beverages will help to cool down the palate and provide a contrasting refreshment to the spicy and savoury dish.

Frequently asked questions