Jerk Sauce for Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Marinade Recipe
This delightful Jerk Sauce recipe for grilled chicken offers a burst of Caribbean flavors that elevate your meal to a new level of deliciousness. Perfect for summer barbecues or any time you crave that smoky, spicy kick, this marinade will not only infuse your chicken with wonderful taste but also provide a delectable sauce to baste as it grills, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Jerk Sauce for Grilled Chicken |
| Category | Chicken Breast |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Description | A very good marinade for chicken. After marinating, the extra sauce can be heated and used to baste the chicken while grilling. |
| Keywords | Chicken, Poultry, Meat, < 30 Mins |
| Rating | 3.0 (1 Review) |
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this tantalizing jerk sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green onion | 1 |
| Fresh thyme | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Light brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Allspice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chicken breasts | 4 – 6 pieces |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of your meal is essential for making informed dietary choices. Here’s the nutritional information per serving:
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420.7 |
| Total Fat | 27.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 61.9 mg |
| Sodium | 1412.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 18.6 g |
| Protein | 23.2 g |
Instructions
Preparing your Jerk Sauce for grilled chicken is simple and can be done in a few easy steps, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s how to make it:
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Blend the Base Ingredients: Start by combining the green onion, fresh thyme, garlic, and light brown sugar in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth and even mixture, allowing the fresh herbs to release their aromatic oils and the garlic to infuse its flavor into the sauce.
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Incorporate the Sauce Ingredients: Next, add the soy sauce and allspice to the blender. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and thick, which will create a rich base for your marinade. At this stage, feel free to add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, adjusting for flavor intensity.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 6 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavors will be.
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Prepare for Grilling: After marination, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting, as it will add even more flavor during the cooking process.
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Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill over indirect heat. Grill the chicken for approximately 30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. During this time, heat the reserved marinade in a saucepan until it reaches a boil, then use it to baste the chicken, adding moisture and enhancing the jerk flavors as it cooks.
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Check for Doneness: To ensure that your chicken is fully cooked, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your jerk chicken hot off the grill alongside traditional Caribbean sides such as rice and peas, a fresh mango salsa, or a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. The combination of the spicy, smoky chicken with vibrant, refreshing sides will make for a delightful and satisfying meal that your family and friends will rave about.
Conclusion
This Jerk Sauce for Grilled Chicken is not just a marinade; it’s a flavorful adventure that takes your ordinary grilled chicken to extraordinary heights. With its perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and savory notes, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. So fire up that grill, prepare your marinade, and enjoy a delightful meal that brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your backyard.
