Hey there, flavorful food lovers!
Are you in the mood for some delicious vibes? I’ve got a mouthwatering recipe just for you!
Today, I’m sharing my baked chicken Jamaican style. It’s bursting with spices and has that tropical flair you’ll love.
Perfect for dinner or a backyard BBQ.
Get ready to spice up your meal! Let’s dive in!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the green seasoning, a homemade blend of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and scallions can be used. This allows for customization and ensures freshness. Scotch bonnet peppers can be replaced with habanero or jalapeño peppers for a milder heat, adjusting the quantity to taste. The fancy molasses, Grace Fish & Meat Sauce, or Pickapeppa sauce can be substituted with Worcestershire sauce mixed with a touch of brown sugar to achieve a similar tangy-sweet flavor profile. Use about 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar as a replacement. These substitutions maintain the dish’s Caribbean flavor while accommodating varying spice preferences and ingredient availability.
| Preparation Time | 600-720 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 65-75 minutes |
| Total Time | 665-795 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 100-115 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 g
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 tbsp minced ginger (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 2 1/2 tsp all-purpose seasoning
- 3 tbsp green seasoning
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp browning
- 1/4 tsp minced scotch bonnet
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (I use Kikkoman brand)
- 4 pimento grains (crushed)
For the gravy:
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1/2 to 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 to 3 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp canola oil
- 1/2 to 1 cup water
- 1 small onion (cut into strips)
- 5 to 8 pimento grains
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger slices
- 2 tsp minced garlic
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating 4 chicken leg quarters overnight.
In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of green seasoning, 4 crushed pimento grains, 1 tablespoon of finely minced ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of minced scotch bonnet, 2 1/2 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of fancy molasses (or Grace Fish & Meat Sauce or Pickapeppa sauce), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of browning (dark caramel).
Add salt if necessary, depending on the salt content of your all-purpose seasoning.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
Cover and refrigerate overnight for the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Initial Baking
Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C).
Once the chicken has marinated, place the pieces in a casserole dish or baking tray without greasing.
Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 355°F (180°C).
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
While the chicken is baking, prepare the gravy.
In a pan, heat 2 teaspoons of canola oil over medium heat.
Sauté 1 small onion (cut into strips), 1 teaspoon of ginger slices, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup, adjusting to your taste.
Stir in 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the flavors.
For additional heat, you may add a whole scotch bonnet or pieces of it.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, make a slurry by mixing 2-3 teaspoons of room temperature water with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and incorporate this into your gravy mixture.
Step 4: Finish Baking the Chicken
After the initial 25 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking the chicken for an additional 40-50 minutes.
Check the chicken periodically.
You have two options for incorporating the gravy: either pour the prepared gravy over the chicken and continue baking without further basting, or mix the chicken juices with the gravy and baste the chicken every 15-20 minutes for additional flavor.
Step 5: Crisp and Serve
As the chicken nears completion, increase the oven temperature slightly if you desire charred sections on the chicken.
Once fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches a safe level, remove the chicken from the oven.
Serve the chicken hot with the remaining gravy, and accompany it with your choice of side dishes, such as rice and peas, for a complete meal.
