Spicy Jerk Chicken with Citrus Marinade

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Spicy Jerk Chicken with Citrus Marinade.

1. Step 1

   Start by pouring the orange juice, white vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, and freshly squeezed lime juice into a blender. Add the chopped onions, Scotch bonnet chiles (remember to wear gloves!), garlic, sugar, dried thyme, ground allspice, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Pulse the mixture several times to combine the ingredients, then blend until you achieve a smooth jerk marinade.

2. Step 2

   Next, set aside half a cup of the marinade in a small bowl and refrigerate it for later use. Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large nonreactive bowl. Pour the remaining jerk marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Step 3

   When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-low heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade to keep things safe and hygienic.

4. Step 4

   Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook until the meat is no longer pink inside and the skin is beautifully browned. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast reaches at least 160°F (70°C), which should take about 30 minutes. As the chicken cooks, baste it with the reserved marinade, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor.

5. Step 5

   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.