Mary berry jerk chicken recipe
Mary berry jerk chicken
Mary Berry is a well-known British cook and television personality, famous for her classic home-cooked recipes. Her recipe for jerk chicken involves marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of spices such as allspice, thyme, ginger, garlic, chili pepper, and soy sauce, among others. The chicken is then grilled or roasted until it’s tender and has a crispy skin. It’s a deliciously spicy and fragrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why people also love Mary berry jerk chicken
People love Mary Berry’s jerk chicken recipe for its bold and aromatic flavor. The marinade creates a complex mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that infuse into the chicken during cooking, resulting in a flavorful and juicy dish. Additionally, the cooking method leaves the chicken with a nice charred flavor and crispy skin, making it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party or gathering. Plus, Mary Berry is a trusted authority on home-cooked meals, so many people trust her recipes to deliver delicious results every time.
Ingredients:
- 1.8 kg chicken, portioned
- 2 scotch bonnet chillies, deseeded and finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp black peppercorns, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped chillies, garlic, ginger, allspice, black pepper, thyme, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and olive oil.
- Marinate Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large dish or resealable bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat & Cook:
- Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on a baking tray or grill rack.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with lime wedges!
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including marinating time)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Serving suggestions: Serve with rice and peas, or a fresh salad for a delicious meal.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
- For a smokier flavor, try grilling the chicken over charcoal instead of baking it in the oven.
- If you can’t find scotch bonnet chillies, you can use jalapeno or habanero peppers instead, adjusting the quantity to your liking.
- To make the dish spicier, leave the seeds in the chillies.
Nutrition information (per serving):
Calories: 379
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 143mg
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 34g
Presentation:
To serve Mary Berry’s jerk chicken, place the chicken pieces on a large platter with lime wedges for garnish. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the chicken for a pop of color. Serve with rice and peas or a fresh salad on the side.
Variations and substitutions you can try for Mary berry jerk chicken recipe:
- Use a different type of protein: Instead of chicken, you can use pork, beef or tofu to make this dish.
- Adjust the spiciness: If you want the dish to be less spicy, reduce the amount of chili peppers used or omit them altogether. On the other hand, if you prefer more heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Substitute soy sauce: If you are allergic to soy, you can substitute it with coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce.
- Try different herbs: Instead of thyme, you can use oregano, rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Add veggies: You can also add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the marinade for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Use a different sweetener: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar or brown sugar as a substitute.
- Experiment with different spices: You can also experiment with other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or coriander to give the dish a unique twist.
- Change the cooking method: Instead of grilling or baking the chicken, you can also try frying it in a pan for a crispy texture.
- Make it vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan and use a vegan alternative to soy sauce.
Recommendations and notices:
- Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours (or overnight) is recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- When handling spicy ingredients like chili peppers, be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly to avoid skin irritation.
- Be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- If you’re grilling the chicken, make sure to brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- While the recipe calls for scotch bonnet peppers, you can use any type of hot pepper you prefer. Simply change the amount for your preferred spiciness.
- If you’re using wooden skewers to grill the chicken, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a blender or mortar and pestle to blend the marinade ingredients together.
- For best results, it’s recommended to use fresh herbs instead of dried ones.
- Be careful when handling the jerk chicken as the marinade may stain clothes and other fabrics.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQ for Mary berry jerk chicken recipe
Jerk seasoning is typically made from a combination of allspice, thyme, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other spices. The ingredients may differ based on the recipe.
Yes, jerk chicken is typically quite spicy due to the use of chili peppers in the marinade. However, you can adjust the amount of peppers used to make it less or more spicy.
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
Yes, you can make jerk chicken in the oven instead of grilling it. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Yes, you can easily freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to approximately 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
To make the chicken less spicy, reduce the amount of chili peppers used in the marinade or substitute them with a milder pepper like jalapeños.
Jerk chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice and peas, grilled vegetables, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. However, it’s best to grill or bake the chicken just before serving for maximum flavor and freshness.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s jerk chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful way to spice up your dinner table. The combination of spices and seasonings creates a deep, complex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken meat. It’s an easy recipe to follow and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or entertaining guests. Try it out and see why so many people love this delicious and easy-to-prepare dish!