(Instagram @nikishariley) Shows You How to Jamaican Jerk Chicken Using Homemade Jamaican Jerk Sauce

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: coconut aminos

💰Cheaper: tamari

Coconut aminos are lower in sodium and gluten-free.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Honey adds flavor while being a natural sweetener.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier while canola oil is more economical.

chicken drumsticks

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Skinless thighs are leaner, while thighs are generally cheaper.

Chop 1 small to medium onion and 5 scallions.

Depending on desired spiciness, chop 3 to 5 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers.

Add 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 2 cloves garlic, and 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger to the mix.

Pour in 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/3 cup gluten-free soy sauce, and 1/4 cup white vinegar.

Squeeze the juice of 1 lime into the mixture.

Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 4 to 5 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground allspice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until it turns into a thick sauce.

Store the jerk sauce in a glass airtight container for up to a month.

Marinate chicken drumsticks in the jerk sauce for at least 2 hours, preferably 2 days for maximum flavor.

Place marinated chicken drumsticks in a gallon ziplock freezer bag and shake to coat evenly with the sauce.

Line a baking pan with tin foil and arrange the chicken drumsticks in the pan.

Pour or spoon extra jerk sauce over the chicken as desired.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake the chicken for 1 hour and 20 minutes, flipping the chicken and adding more jerk sauce after 1 hour for even browning.

After 1 hour and 20 minutes, turn on the broiler and broil the chicken for about 5 minutes for a deep brown color.

Garnish the finished chicken with chopped scallions before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens