Jerk & Cheese Recipe
jerk marinated chicken w / Swiss cheese
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Ingredients
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Jerk Marinated Chicken
Assembly & Cheese
Method
Jerk Marinated Chicken
- 1
Prepare the marinade
In a blender or food processor combine green onions, garlic, fresh ginger, scotch bonnet (remove seeds for less heat), fresh thyme leaves, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice, brown sugar, allspice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and black pepper. Blend until a fairly smooth paste is achieved (scrape down sides once).
- 2
Marinate the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Massage the marinade into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor (8–12 hours).
- 3
- 4
Cook the chicken
Option A — Grill: Oil the grates lightly. Grill the thighs skin-side down first over direct medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until nicely charred, then flip and grill another 5–7 minutes. Move to indirect heat and continue until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 8–12 more minutes depending on size. Option B — Oven: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Sear thighs skin-side down 5–7 minutes until browned, flip and sear 3 minutes. Transfer skillet to preheated 400°F oven and roast 15–25 minutes until internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
- 5
Rest
Remove chicken from heat and let rest 5–10 minutes so juices redistribute. If using thighs for sandwiches, you can remove skin and shred or slice the meat as desired.
Assembly & Cheese
- 6
- 7
Melt the cheese
Place a cooked chicken thigh (or sliced/shredded portion) on the bottom bun. Top each piece of chicken with one Swiss cheese slice. To melt: return to the warm grill or oven for 1–2 minutes, or cover the skillet with a lid for 30–60 seconds until the cheese softens and begins to melt.
- 8
Finish the sandwich
Spread mayonnaise (if using) on the top bun. Add lettuce and tomato slices to the bottom bun around the chicken as desired. Place the cheese-topped chicken on the bottom bun, cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
- 9
Serving suggestion
Serve with lime wedges, extra hot sauce, or a side of sweet plantains, fries, or a crisp slaw to complement the spicy-sweet jerk flavors.