Runaway Bay Jamaican Chicken
Runaway Bay Jamaican Chicken is a flavorful Caribbean-inspired chicken dish.Tender chicken is marinated with herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, and ginger.Scallions, thyme, and allspice create a bold Jamaican-style flavor.Optional Scotch bonnet pepper adds traditional Caribbean heat.The chicken can be grilled, baked, or pan-cooked until juicy and tender.Serve it with Rice and Peas, fried plantains, vegetables, or fresh salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2½ pounds (1.1 kg) chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste, optional
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Jamaican-Style Marinade
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.Trim away excess fat or loose skin if desired.Making shallow cuts in the thickest parts of the chicken can help the marinade penetrate more deeply.
Prepare the Marinade
- Add the scallions, onion, garlic, ginger, thyme, allspice, smoked paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional Scotch bonnet pepper to a blender or food processor.Blend until a coarse paste forms.
Season the Marinade
- Add the lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, optional Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.Mix until everything is well combined.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable food-safe bag.Pour the marinade over the chicken.Massage the mixture thoroughly into every piece.
Refrigerate
- Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours.For deeper flavor, marinate for 6–8 hours or overnight.
Prepare for Cooking
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator approximately 20 minutes before cooking.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the Chicken
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in a lightly greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking tray.Arrange the pieces in a single layer.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes.Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Turn the Chicken
- Turn or baste the chicken halfway through cooking.This helps create an evenly browned and flavorful exterior.
Check for Doneness
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.Use a meat thermometer for the most reliable result.
Rest the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the oven.Allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme and sliced scallions.Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
- Chicken cuts: Bone-in thighs and drumsticks remain especially juicy.
- Marinating: Overnight marinating provides deeper flavor.
- Scotch bonnet: Use carefully because it adds significant heat.
- Allspice: This ingredient provides an important Jamaican-style flavor.
- Lime juice: Citrus helps brighten and balance the rich spices.
- Cooking time: The exact cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Thermometer: Checking the internal temperature is the safest way to determine doneness.
- Resting: Allowing the chicken to rest helps retain its juices.