Chicken Legs Caribbean Recipe
Overview
This Chicken Legs Caribbean recipe is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for summer grilling sessions or anytime you want to bring a taste of the tropics to your table. Adapted from a classic Betty Crocker cookbook, it features dark rum, pineapple, honey, and a touch of molasses, creating a marinade that elevates simple chicken legs to a new level of deliciousness.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Chicken Legs Caribbean
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Chicken, Pineapple, Poultry, Tropical Fruits, Fruit, Meat, Caribbean, Spring, Summer, Savory, Sweet, < 4 Hours
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 pineapple
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 323.9
- Total Fat: 13.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Cholesterol: 92.4mg
- Sodium: 108.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugars: 20.8g
- Protein: 20.8g
Recipe Instructions
-
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix dark rum, chili powder, molasses, and honey until well combined.
- Place chicken legs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Preparing the Grilled Pineapple:
- Cut the top off the pineapple and slice it lengthwise into 6 wedges.
- Remove the core and loosen the fruit from the rind by slicing, but leave the rind intact.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of honey over the pineapple wedges and let them stand for 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
-
Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Remove the chicken legs from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
- Place the chicken legs on the grill, bone side down, about 5-6 inches from the coals.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, then turn the chicken legs over.
- Continue grilling, covered, and turning occasionally, brushing with the reserved marinade 2-3 times, until the chicken is cooked through. This usually takes an additional 20-40 minutes depending on your grill and the size of the chicken legs.
-
Grilling the Pineapple:
- Place the pineapple wedges on the grill, rind side down, about 5-6 inches from the coals.
- Grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pineapple is heated through and nicely caramelized.
-
Serving:
- Serve the grilled chicken legs with the grilled pineapple wedges for a delicious Caribbean-inspired meal.
- Optionally, you can garnish with fresh herbs or additional honey for extra sweetness.
Tips for Success
-
Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight marinating will intensify the flavors even more.
-
Grilling Pineapple: Keep an eye on the pineapple while grilling to avoid burning. The honey will caramelize, giving the pineapple a beautiful golden color and enhancing its natural sweetness.
-
Temperature Check: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Enjoy Your Tropical Feast!
This Chicken Legs Caribbean recipe is a fantastic choice for summer gatherings or whenever you crave a taste of the islands. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich, sweet, and savory flavors, while the grilled pineapple adds a refreshing and caramelized touch. Serve it up and transport yourself to a sunny Caribbean beach with every bite! 🌴🍍
