Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant shores of Belize with our mouthwatering recipe for Belize Jerk Chicken. Infused with the rich flavors of Caribbean spices and a hint of smokiness, this dish encapsulates the essence of Belizean cuisine. Known for its bold and fiery taste, Belize Jerk Chicken is a celebration of local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create a succulent and flavorful dish that pays homage to the cultural tapestry of Belize. From marinating the chicken in a robust blend of spices to grilling it to perfection, each step is designed to capture the essence of the Caribbean, bringing a taste of Belize to your kitchen. Get ready to spice up your culinary repertoire and transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked paradise of Belize with our unforgettable Jerk Chicken recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• 1 medium-sized onion, roughly chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeds removed (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Jerk Marinade:

1-In a blender or food processor, combine chopped onion, green onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, soy sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, white vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

2-Blend until you achieve a smooth, thick marinade.

Marinate the Chicken:

1-Place chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.

2-Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it gets under the skin.

3-Seal the bowl or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the flavors to meld.

Preheat the Grill:Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the Jerk Chicken:

1-Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.

2-Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3-Baste the chicken with any remaining marinade during the last 10 minutes of grilling.

Serve and Enjoy:

1-Once cooked, transfer the Belize Jerk Chicken to a platter.

2-Garnish with additional chopped green onions and lime wedges.

3-Serve with traditional sides like rice and beans or coleslaw for a complete Belizean dining experience.

Get ready to savor the bold and spicy flavors of Belize with this grilled Jerk Chicken recipe – a perfect blend of Caribbean warmth and culinary excellence!

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific brands and quantities, but here's an approximate breakdown for the main ingredients in the Belize Jerk Chicken recipe. Keep in mind that these values are per serving and may vary based on your specific portions and cooking methods.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving):

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1 thigh):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vitamins and minerals like phosphorus and selenium.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (1 drumstick):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of protein and essential amino acids.
• Provides vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc.

Medium-sized onion (1 medium onion, chopped):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help combat inflammation.
• Good source of vitamin C, promoting immune health.

Green onions (4 onions, chopped):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Low in calories and high in vitamins K and C.
• Adds a mild onion flavor without being overpowering.

Garlic cloves (4 cloves):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Known for potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, which may have antibacterial and antiviral effects.

Scotch bonnet peppers (2 peppers):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• High in capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting effects.
• Contains vitamin C and antioxidants.

Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Contains essential oils with potential health benefits.

Ground allspice (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Adds a warm, sweet flavor to dishes.

Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants with potential health benefits.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels.

Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Adds a warm, nutty flavor to dishes.
• Contains antioxidants and essential oils.

Soy sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Adds savory umami flavor to the dish.
• Contains protein and small amounts of essential minerals.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats essential for nutrient absorption.
• Adds moisture and richness to the chicken.

Brown sugar (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 104
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and caramelization to the marinade.
• Source of quick energy due to its carbohydrate content.

White vinegar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Adds acidity to balance flavors in the marinade.
• May have digestive health benefits.

Juice of 2 limes:

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish.
• Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Salt and pepper:

• Calories: Negligible

benefits:

• Enhances overall flavor.
• Balances and brings out the natural taste of other ingredients.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors like specific product brands, sizes, and preparation methods. Always check product labels for accurate nutritional information.