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I was interested in eating it many times whilst in Jamaica. I’ve heard so much about Jamaica chicken jerk seasoning too, and I wanted to taste it on home soil.
I was curious to discover local knowledge on the best Jamaica Jerk chicken recipe, I was keen to chat to the locals about that.
Jerk chicken is a wonderfully spicy, smoky, zesty, and fragrant grilled meat dish. It is usually associated with Jamaica, yet, this dish is loved and eaten throughout the Caribbean.
If you get to do some island hopping in the Caribbean, you may be able to see if the Jamaica jerk chicken recipe tastes better here or on one of the other islands.
The secret to a tasty Jamaica chicken jerk-style experience is in jerk seasoning itself. Jerk seasoning has three main ingredients; thyme, allspice and super hot scotch bonnet chillies.
You will soon discover that those fiery scotch bonnet chillies are in many of Jamaica’s most popular dishes and foods to try.
Allspice is a single spice made from dried berries of the allspice tree, also native to Jamaica. It’s sometimes referred to as Jamaican pepper, perhaps because allspice looks like peppercorns. Allspice combines the flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper.
In addition to these key ingredients, a good Jamaica Jerk chicken recipe isn’t complete. It usually has onions, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
For best results, blend the ingredients into a sticky marinade sauce, massage into the chicken and leave to marinate overnight.
Once grilled, this will produce the most flavourful, tender Jamaica jerk chicken dish ever.
It’s one of the best explosions of flavour you can experience. Sweet, salty, spicy and punchy! If possible, a Jamaica chicken jerk-style recipe will recommend that you slow cook it over a fire or grill.
This allows the smoky flavours to penetrate the meat, which results in a delicious meal!
This one is open to discussion as Jamaica jerk chicken tastes good with anything, or just on its own.
Typically, it’s served alongside rice and beans and usually salad too. Other popular sides include mashed potato, coleslaw, grilled corn and fried plantains.
There is usually a homemade spicy salsa made from mango, pineapples or other tropical fruits to spoon over the top too. If it’s offered to you, go for it! Another flavour bomb to enjoy.
I’ve listed three places to eat the best jerk chicken in Kingston, Jamaica. The capital city is where it’s at for getting the full experience of this tasty Jamaican dish.
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JoJoās slings out jerk chicken, pork, lamb, and other Jamaican dishes to enjoy tasty Caribbean cooking at its best.
Come here for chilled vibes, good food and even live music every Saturday night from 7.00 pm.
Address: 12 Waterloo Rd, Kingston
Enjoy traditional food of Jamaica, including jerk chicken right here. The restaurant serves barbequed jerk chicken, pork, fish, and conch. This eatery is open-aired to take in those tropical breezes. We highly recommend this spot.
Address: 14 DaCosta Dr, Ocho Rios
This place lives up to the hype! I ate there, I can tell you that the jerk chicken here is spot on. The spice is just right, and the smoky flavours will leave you wanting another plate of jerk chicken.
Address: Hermitage Dam Road Red Gal Ring, Stony Hill, Kingston
If you cannot get to Jamaica to enjoy this dish on home soil, then this Jerk Chicken recipe by SBS Food is the best jerk chicken recipe to cook in the comfort of your own home.
You probably know about the language they speak in Jamaica, but if you don’t, this post explaining Jamaica’s languages is interesting.
And it goes without saying that aside from Jamaican Jerk chicken, you must taste these 15 delicious foods in Jamaica while there.
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