She Strengthens

Slow-Cooked Jerk Chicken: A Game-Changing Recipe

Are you tired of the same old boring chicken recipes? Look no further! This slow-cooked jerk chicken recipe is a game-changer. By cooking the chicken in a slow cooker, you can marinate and cook it at the same time, saving you time and effort.

The Perfect Substitute

Traditional jerk recipes call for Scotch bonnet chiles, but they can be hard to find. Luckily, habanero peppers make a great substitute. You can also customize the level of heat to your liking by using different types of peppers.

Plan Ahead

This recipe is perfect for game day or any other occasion where you need to feed a crowd. You can make the jerk chicken and toast the rolls up to a day ahead, then simply assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

Oven Option

Don’t have a slow cooker? No problem! You can braise the chicken in the oven instead. Simply brown the chicken, place it in a Dutch oven, add the marinade, and cook at 325°F for 45 minutes. Then, uncover and continue cooking until the chicken is tender.

The Recipe

Yield: 24 sandwiches (about 8-12 servings)
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: Up to 8 hours 40 minutes
Active Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the rub:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

For the chicken:

• 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the marinade:

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 10 peppercorns
• 5 medium garlic cloves, smashed
• 3 medium scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups cilantro (about 1 bunch), coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced into 1/4-inch coins
• 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, sliced into rounds

Instructions:

1. Combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl and coat the chicken evenly.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides.
3. Place the chicken in a slow cooker and repeat with the remaining chicken.
4. Whisk together the marinade ingredients and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 5-8 hours, turning the chicken every few hours.
5. Strain the sauce and pour it back into the slow cooker. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place back in the slow cooker with the sauce.
6. Split the deli rolls in half and toast, then place 1/4 cup of the jerk chicken mixture on each sandwich.

Get Ready for a Flavor Explosion!

This slow-cooked jerk chicken recipe is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. With its perfect blend of spices, tangy marinade, and tender chicken, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So why wait? Give it a try today!