Jerk Chicken Heaven

This past weekend we decided to cook instead of going out for dinner. Valentine's Day is one of the worst days to eat out. Poor service, and long wait is almost a given.
We had a fantastic Jerk Chicken, Jamaica style. So easy to make, healthy and delicious. Enjoy!

Jerk Chicken Jamaica Style

Servings: 5 people

One 3 1/2 lb organic chicken (3lb of chicken breasts may be used if preferred)
6 sliced jalapeno peppers
2 Tbsp. thyme
2 Tbsp. ground allspice
8 Cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 Medium onions, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. salt
2 Tsp. ground black pepper

1 to 2 Tsp of the following (to taste)
-ground cinnamon
-nutmeg
-ginger

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
Juice of one lime
1 cup orange juice
1 cup white vinegar

Chop the onions, garlic and peppers. These do not need to be chopped too fine as they will be liquified by the blender.
Blend all of the ingredients (excluding the chicken) in a blender to make the jerk sauce. Rub the sauce in to the meat, saving some for basting and dipping later. Leave the chicken in the fridge to marinade overnight.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, turn the meat then bake for a further 30 minutes. An even better option is to grill the chicen slowly until cooked, turning regularly. Baste with some of the remaining marinade whilst cooking.

If using the whole chicken, chop each quarter of the chicken portion into 5 or 6 smaller pieces using a heavy cleaver. Use a wooden spoon (or something similar) to hold the chicken in place whilst chopping (you will be chopping with enough pressure to cut through bone!!!)

Serve with salad or rice and peas (or beans).

Based on the recipe provided by the Jamaica Travel and Culture.