What is Jerk Chicken and is it healthy?

Jamaican Jerk 35g

It's wonderfully spicy, smoky, and fragrant — everything you want jerk chicken to be. But what puts this one above all others? The key is including five-spice powder in the marinade, a Chinese spice blend made of cinnamon, fennel seed, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise.

Fotw jamaica countryiconicdishes3 c45a310c 9c32 4440 be0f 59268625a7c0

What is Jamaican Jerk sauce made of?

Traditionally comprising a fragrant spice mix made of allspice, peppers, thyme, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg and sage with fresh lime and orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, onion and scotch bonnet peppers (an authentic ingredient however optional if you don’t like the heat), this perfectly balanced sauce is used to marinate chicken, fish, pork, seafood or even veg.

Why is it called jerk sauce?

The name ‘jerk’ actually derives from the cooking technique created by the Maroons to conceal their whereabouts. ‘Jerking’ was a method of spicing and cooking pork underground so smoke could not be seen by other enemy tribes.

As an homage to its origins, jerk chicken is traditionally cooked today slowly in old oil barrels over pimento wood for an authentic flavour.

What is Jerk Chicken and is it healthy?

What is served with Jamaican Jerk chicken?

Traditionally, Jerk Chicken accompaniments include Rice and Peas, Fried Plantains, and Callaloo – a leafy green that’s sauteed with onions, garlic and scotch bonnet peppers. It is also popular to serve with a fruity salsa using Caribbean flavours like pineapple to offset the intense smokiness of the chicken – Click Here to check out our quick and easy Pineapple Salsa recipe at the base of our Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe.

What is Jerk Chicken and is it healthy?

How hot is Jamaican Jerk chicken?

When wanting to try their own Jamaican Jerk recipes at home, many ask ‘Is jerk seasoning spicy?’ Traditionally, yes, jerk sauce is made using scotch bonnet peppers for a deep heat and intense flavour. Scotch bonnets, however, are some of the hottest chillies in the world and jerk sauce can be easily made without it. Our Jamaican Jerk blend uses only a pinch of Cayenne Pepper for a little warmth but is still mild to suit all pallets.

Is Jerk Chicken healthy?

Yes, this spice-rich dish is loaded with nutrients and vitamins from the natural and whole ingredients used in its marinade. Jerk sauce contains paprika and allspice for antioxidants, cayenne pepper for reducing blood pressure, garlic for immune boosting, nutmeg to aid in digestion and sleep, cinnamon for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, vitamin C from citrus plus many more!

Used to marinate proteins such as chicken, pork or seafood, this nutrient-dense, protein-rich dish is a complete and wholesome meal. Everything, however, must be consumed in moderation and in conjunction with a balanced diet.

Try this Jerk Recipe

Grilled Jerk Prawns with Pineapple Salsa

See more recipes