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Montego Bay (Jamaica)
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Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
580kcal
42gProtein
12gCarbs
42gFat
3gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Jerk Chicken
How to order / say it
Say it
Jerk Chicken — [Jurk Chick-en]
Order
I'd like some Jerk Chicken, please.
Locally
Mi waan some Jerk Chicken, please.
Say locally
Spicily marinated and grilled chicken.
Why try it?
A visit to Montego Bay isn't complete without savoring Jerk Chicken, a quintessential dish that embodies the region's spicy and smoky culinary legacy. It's a dish that tells the story of Jamaican resilience and creativity, often enjoyed at lively gatherings.
How it tastes
The chicken is juicy yet crispy, with a fiery kick from Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and strong aromatics. It's traditionally grilled over pimento wood, lending a distinctive smoky flavor.
Origin & History — first documented: 1650
Jerk Chicken has its roots in the 17th century, believed to be developed by the Maroons, who escaped into the mountains and preserved their meat with local spices and slow cooking methods. Over centuries, it became synonymous with Montego Bay's street food scene.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥩 1 kg chicken
- 🧂 3 peppers Scotch bonnet peppers
- 🧂 1 tbsp allspice
- 🌿 2 tbsp thyme
- 🧄 1 large onion
- 🧄 5 cloves garlic
- 🥣 100 ml soy sauce
- 🍯 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 🍋 2 tbsp lime juice
Method
- 1 Blend all the spices and aromatics into a paste.
- 2 Marinate the chicken with the paste for at least 4 hours.
- 3 Grill over pimento wood until cooked through and charred.
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