Grilled Jerk Chicken with Tomato Salsa

Grilled Jerk Chicken with Tomato Salsa is a vibrant dish that combines the bold, spicy kick of jerk seasoning with the refreshing and zesty contrast of fresh tomato salsa. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine, where aromatic spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients come together in harmony.

Central to this dish is jerk chicken, infused with a rich blend of spices and herbs that give the iconic Caribbean dish its deep flavor. The jerk seasoning consists of spices like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne pepper, and paprika, along with garlic and onion powder for savory notes. Brown sugar introduces a subtle sweetness to balance the spiciness. Dried thyme imparts an herbal touch, while salt and pepper unify all the flavors. This homemade jerk seasoning is generously rubbed over the chicken to coat it entirely with bold flavors. The chicken is then marinated for several hours, allowing the seasoning to soak into the meat fully, resulting in a flavorful and juicy dish once grilled.

The grilling process is critical to achieving the best result for jerk chicken. The chicken is initially cooked over indirect heat, ensuring that it remains juicy while the skin slowly begins to crisp. After an hour, it’s transferred to direct heat, creating that signature smoky, slightly charred flavor synonymous with jerk-style cooking. Combining the spicy, savory jerk seasoning and the smoky, charred skin creates a wonderfully complex flavor with every bite.

To complement the bold flavors of the jerk chicken, the dish is served with fresh tomato salsa. The salsa is made with diced tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and fresh cilantro, which provide a bright and crisp contrast to the rich, spicy chicken. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds acidity and zest, cutting through the richness of the jerk seasoning. The simplicity of the salsa enhances the chicken without overpowering it, creating a refreshing and light balance to the dish.

The dish is served with lime wedges, which add visual appeal and allow diners to squeeze additional lime juice over the chicken for an extra burst of freshness. The juicy, spicy chicken with the refreshing tomato salsa makes this dish perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual dinner with friends and family.

SUGGESTED PAIRING: Caribbean Creamed Plantains

Grilled Jerk Chicken with Tomato Salsa is a dish that brings together the bold, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. With its deep, smoky flavors, the jerk chicken is perfectly balanced by the crisp tomato salsa, making it a crowd-pleasing, incredibly flavorful dish. Whether you enjoy it at a backyard cookout or a weeknight dinner, this dish will surely transport your taste buds to the tropics.

Grilled Jerk Chicken with Tomato Salsa

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

4

hours 

Cooking time

2

hours 

30

minutes

Total time

6

hours 

30

minutes

Grilled Jerk Chicken with Tomato Salsa combines the bold, spicy flavors of Caribbean jerk seasoning with the refreshing brightness of fresh tomato salsa. The smoky, charred chicken pairs perfectly with the zesty salsa, making it an ideal dish for summer grilling.

Ingredients

• For the Grilled Jerk Chicken

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cleaned and patted dry

• 1/2 cup jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• for serving, lime wedges

• For the Tomato Salsa

• 2 large tomatoes, diced

• 1 small red onion, diced

• 1 small green bell pepper, diced

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• For the Jerk Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons ground allspice

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder

• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons salt

Directions

• Make the Jerk Seasoning:
  Combine all the jerk seasoning ingredients: ground allspice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Store any extra Jerk Seasoning in an airtight container for future use.
• Marinate the Chicken:
  Place the whole chicken in a large shallow dish. Sprinkle and rub the homemade jerk seasoning evenly over the entire chicken, including the cavity. Use your hands to ensure the seasoning is well-distributed. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the chicken and rub it to coat the skin. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
• Grill the Chicken:
  Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). Set up a two-zone grilling area with direct and indirect heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill grates, breast-side down, over the indirect heat zone. Grill for about 60 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin starts to crisp up.
  
  Move the chicken over to the direct heat zone, over the flames or coals. Grill for an additional 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  
  Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Slice the grilled jerk chicken into serving pieces.
• Serve:
  Serve the vibrant homemade jerk chicken alongside the fresh and zesty tomato salsa. Garnish with lime wedges.
• Make the Tomato Salsa:
  In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Mix well.
  
  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, while the chicken cooks.