Jamaican Fried Chicken…Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Jamaican fried chicken, where every bite brings a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch. Coating pieces of chicken achieve this beloved dish in a flavorful blend of black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper, all mixed into a golden brown flour mixture. The chicken is then lovingly placed in hot oil alongside the vibrant scotch bonnet pepper, transforming it into a crispy and irresistible delight. Whether you use a deep fryer or an air fryer, ensure enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces to perfection. And for that authentic Jamaican twist, don’t forget the tantalizing jerk chicken seasoning featuring the bold flavors of brown sugar. So, whether it’s for a Sunday dinner or a gathering of friends, this Jamaican fried chicken recipe will impress and satisfy your cravings for delicious chicken recipes.
Why You Should Make?
Easy- this Jamaican fried chicken is straightforward to make. The jerk seasoning takes this juicy meat to the next level.
Jamaican Style- The coated chicken pieces truly make this an authentic Jamaican fried chicken recipe! Cast iron skillet is what we used to get that authentic dish.
Easy Sides- fry chicken, then add all the easy side dishes such as white bread and Mac and cheese to name a few.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Whole Chicken- you must clean and then cut 4-5 pieces of chicken. You can also use parts of the chicken that come precut for you in the grocery store.
- All Purpose Flour- this will help you to get your chicken fried up nice and right to have that golden color that we all know and enjoy.
- Seasoning- white pepper, chicken bouillon, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper to name a few of the main seasonings. You can find the full list below in the recipe card.
- Milk- I used whole milk but you are welcome to use other types of milk. I will elaborate a little more in down below.
How To Make Jamaican Fried Chicken
1. Mix the flour, Jamaican jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This will be your seasoned flour mixture.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat(350 degrees). You’ll want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces fully. Ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces. You can use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve your homemade Jamaican fried chicken hot and enjoy it with your favorite side dishes such as rice, peas, plantains, or coleslaw. It pairs well with a refreshing Jamaican fruit punch or ginger beer glass.
Remember to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste buds. Cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Enjoy your homemade Jamaican fried chicken!
Substitutions/Variations
– Jerk Seasoned Tofu: Marinate tofu in a flavorful jerk seasoning and then pan-fry it until crispy. It’s a great vegetarian alternative that still packs a punch of Jamaican flavors.
– Coconut Crusted Chicken: Instead of using a traditional flour coating, try breading your chicken with shredded coconut for a tropical twist. It adds a subtle sweetness and extra crunch to your fried chicken.
– Oven-Baked Chicken: If you want a healthier alternative, try baking your chicken instead of deep frying it. Coat the chicken in a mixture of Jamaican spices and breadcrumbs, then bake until it’s golden and crispy.
– Plantain-Crusted Chicken: Instead of using breadcrumbs or flour, dip your chicken in mashed ripe plantains before frying. It adds a unique sweetness and a Caribbean flair to your fried chicken.
– Spicy Curry Chicken: Give your fried chicken an Indian-Jamaican fusion by seasoning it with Jamaican curry powder. This flavorful twist will make your taste buds dance!
– Grilled Chicken: If you’re avoiding fried foods altogether, consider grilling your chicken instead. Marinate the chicken in a jerk seasoning and then grill it until it’s tender and juicy. It’s a healthier option that still captures the essence of Jamaican flavors.
I hope these substitutions inspire you to try something new and delicious! Let me know if you have any more questions or if there’s anything else I can assist you with.
Equipment
Certainly! Here are some equipment suggestions for cooking Jamaican fried chicken:
– Deep Fryer: A deep fryer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve that crispy texture for your fried chicken. It allows for precise temperature control and even cooking. However, if you don’t have a deep fryer, a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet will work too.
– Mixing Bowls: You’ll need mixing bowls to combine your dry ingredients, such as flour or breadcrumbs, and your wet ingredients, like marinades or egg wash.
– Tongs: Tongs are essential for safely flipping and handling the chicken while frying. They provide a good grip and help prevent any oil splatters.
– Thermometer: To ensure that your chicken is perfectly cooked, a kitchen thermometer is handy for checking the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
– Baking Sheet or Wire Rack: If you’re opting for an oven-baked version of Jamaican fried chicken, a baking sheet or wire rack is useful for placing the chicken and allowing it to cook evenly.
– Blender or Food Processor (optional): If you’re making your own jerk seasoning or marinade, a blender or food processor can help in blending the ingredients together into a smooth paste.
– Knife and Cutting Board: These are essential for prepping your chicken and any other ingredients you might be using, such as herbs or vegetables.
– Paper Towels: Having paper towels nearby is helpful for draining excess oil from the fried chicken after cooking.
Storage
When it comes to storing Jamaican fried chicken, here are some tips:
1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover fried chicken, storing it in the refrigerator is best. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
2. Freezing: If you want to store the fried chicken for a more extended period, you can freeze it. Ensure the chicken has cooled down completely before freezing. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Fried chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: To reheat the refrigerated or frozen fried chicken, preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy texture. Alternatively, you can briefly reheat it in the microwave, but the chicken may lose some of its crunchiness.
FAQs/Tips
– Starting with room temperature, chicken ensures even cooking throughout.
– Place the chicken in a large bowl to prepare for coating.
– Coating the chicken with flour adds a crispy exterior and enhances the flavor.
– Use a small bowl to create an egg mixture for additional coating.
– Jamaican fried chicken is a popular dish in Jamaican food culture.
– Adding hot sauce to the chicken gives it a spicy kick and authentic Jamaican flavor.
– Be mindful of excess oil when frying the chicken to avoid greasiness.
– The size of the chicken pieces can vary depending on personal preference.
– Whether served as a main course or appetizer, Jamaican fried chicken is a versatile dish.
– Chicken wings can be used for bite-sized portions or as a party appetizer.
– Mix the purpose flour and any additional spices or seasonings in a large bowl.
– A Dutch pot is traditionally used for frying Jamaican fried chicken.
– Making homemade Jamaican fried chicken allows you to control the ingredients and flavors.
– Watch out for oil bubbles to determine the temperature for frying.
– Jamaican fried chicken is a national dish representing the country’s culinary heritage.
– Fry the chicken at medium-high heat to ensure thorough cooking and a crispy texture.
Jamaican fried chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of Chicken pieces you can use bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference
- 2 Cups All-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning adjust according to your spice preference
- 1 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable Enough for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, Jamaican jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your seasoned flour mixture.2 pounds of Chicken pieces, 2 Cups All-purpose flour, 2 Tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning, 1 Tablespoons Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Paprika, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 Teaspoon Onion powder
- Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.2 pounds of Chicken pieces
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.Vegetable
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if needed.
- Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces. To ensure they are fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
