Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken is a more straightforward way to prepare a delicious, authentic Jamaican meal than firing up the grill, and you won’t have to worry about peppers burning your eyes while standing above the indoor grill or the smoke billowing from the indoor grill. Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken is spicy, sweet, and delectable; it is also healthy, and the crock pot does all the work.

Jerk Chicken is the ideal dish as we approach the sunnier months of spring and summer. Not only does the slow cooker do all the work, so you never have to turn on the stove, but the mango salsa’s bright and fresh flavors shout summer.

The ideal weeknight meal that is fast, simple, and delicious! Best Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken This recipe is flavorful, simple to prepare, and can be made into rice dishes, tacos, or wraps.

Time

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 5 to 6

The Ingredients

1 lemon or citrus
6-7 chicken thighs or 3 – 3 1/2 ounces of cut chicken
2 teaspoons creole seasoning (replace with salt and pepper or chicken spice)
1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Habaneros) or more
6 garlic bulbs, finely minced
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 teaspoon of coarsely powdered allspice
1/2 teaspoon white pepper minced coarsely
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
3 teaspoons of dark brown sugar
1 medium onion, diced coarsely
3 cut green onions or scallions
1 fresh sprig of thyme
1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon Soysau sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice or fruit
optional: 1 tablespoon bouillon granules
pepper and salt to season

Directions For Making Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Recipe

Remove excess fat from the chicken and blot dry with a paper or cloth napkin. Rub with lemon and 2 teaspoons of creole seasoning, or sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Mix the cinnamon, garlic, ginger, thyme, green onions/scallions, onion, habanero pepper, allspice, Maggi/bouillon, brown sugar, onion, nutmeg, soy sauce, white pepper, and pineapple juice or pieces in a food processor or blender. Pulse for about 30 seconds until thoroughly combined.

Coat the chicken with three-quarters of the jerk marinade, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for at least three hours and, preferably, overnight. Avoid contacting the jerk blend with your hands, as it is incredibly spicy hot.

Use gloves or place the chicken pieces and marinade in the slow cooker so they are securely tucked in. Cover the slow cooker, set it to high, and cook for at least three hours.

After the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it and position it on a foil-lined broiler pan or baking sheet. Be cautious, as the chicken will be incredibly tender. You may require a spatula or utensils. Add a small amount of the prepared marinade to the chicken.

Adjust the oven rack so the chicken’s top is 4 to 5 inches below the broiler. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes on high or until the exterior is crisp and dark brown. Make sure to leave the chicken unattended – it acts very rapidly. Broilers can char immobilized food.

While the chicken is becoming crispy, simmer the chicken sauce with the remaining jerk marinade for 5 to 7 minutes in a saucepan. Or until the consistency is reached. Brush chicken with oil.

Tips For Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Recipe

Of course! Here are some techniques for making flavorful and delicious jerk chicken in a slow cooker:

Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken for as long as feasible, ideally overnight. It enables the jerk seasoning to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a dish with enhanced flavor.
Adjust Spice Level: The heat level in jerk chicken depends on the quantity of Scotch bonnet or habanero chilies used. Adjust the amount of chiles to your taste for heat. Be cautious when handling these peppers, as they can be very fiery. Wear gloves and abstain from touching your face when taking them.
Skin On or Off: You can cook the chicken with or without the skin, depending on your inclination. If you prefer a lighter entrée, remove the skin before marinating.
Size of Slow Cooker: Ensure that the size of your slow cooker corresponds with the quantity of chicken you are cooking. Overstuffing a slow cooker can lead to uneven heating.
Browning the Chicken: Consider browning the chicken thighs in a heated skillet before placing them in the slow cooker for additional flavor and texture. This stage is optional but can improve the taste overall.
Liquid: As the poultry cooks, it will release juices. You can use these liquids to create a flavorful sauce. After the poultry is cooked, you can strain and reduce the sauce on the stove if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Additional Seasonings: Feel free to modify the Jamaican marinade to your liking. Add seasonings and spices such as ginger, allspice berries, or cloves.
Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the slow cooker if you wish to include vegetables in your dish. They can absorb the flavorful poultry juices as they cook alongside the chicken.
Broil for Crispiness: To obtain a crispy skin, transfer the cooked chicken legs to a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for a few minutes. Maintain vigilance to prevent scorching.
Serve with Traditional Sides: Traditional sides for jerk chicken are rice and peas (derived from kidney beans), fried plantains, and coleslaw. These dishes complement the chicken’s spicy flavors.

How To Store Leftover Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Recipe?

Follow these steps to ensure that leftover slow-cooker jerk chicken remains fresh and safe to eat:

Cool Down: Before preserving the cooked jerk chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature. It helps prevent condensation within the storage container, which can result in a soggy interior.
Portion: If you have chicken leftovers, consider portioning them into smaller containers. It makes it simpler to reheat what is necessary, thereby reducing food waste.
Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled jerk chicken to hermetic containers. You may also use resealable plastic bags, but secure them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Date and Label: Label the containers or packages when you prepare the chicken. It allows you to monitor the product’s freshness and ensure it is consumed within a safe timeframe.
Refrigeration: If you intend to ingest the leftovers within a few days, refrigerate the containers. It will remain fresh for up to three to four days if cooled correctly.
Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze the jerk chicken. You can freeze it for up to two to three months. Use a container suitable for freezing, or firmly wrap the chicken in aluminum foil or wrapping paper before putting it in a resealable freezer bag.
Separate Sauce: If you have excess sauce or juices from your slow cooker, consider preserving them in a small container. You can use the sauce to reheat the chicken or add flavor to other dishes.
Reheating: When you’re ready to consume the leftover jerk chicken, you can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. If reheating from chilled, allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Use Safely: Ensure that reheated chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) before consumption.
Enjoy Creatively: The leftover jerk chicken can be utilized in various methods. It is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and pizza toppings. You can also shred it and add it to soups and stews for flavor.

How To Freeze Ahead Of Time?

To freeze chicken breasts in advance, place them in a large silicone or freezer bag. Combine the Jerk Mixture with the olive oil, then pour over the chicken. To saturate the chicken with the Jerk Mixture, agitate it. Remove as much air as possible before securing the container. Keep frozen for up to three months. To defrost, remove from the freezer and store overnight in the refrigerator. Then, proceed to follow the recipe strictly!

Ways To Serve Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Recipe

With rice: Serve it traditionally with a heaping mound of steamed white or brown rice. Traditional and delectable. Lighter alternatives include cauliflower rice, cabbage rice, and broccoli rice.
Lettuce wraps: Wrap it in lettuce leaves or cabbage containers for a healthier version of the dish that’s ideal for warm weather.
Jerk Chicken Tacos: Tacos with Jerk Chicken are one of our favorite ways to savor this dish. Warm some corn tortillas with jerk chicken, mango salsa, and green or purple cabbage for texture. It also tastes excellent in chicken fajita bowls.
Enchiladas: If you’re willing to think outside the norm, this chicken is a fantastic addition to enchiladas. You can use a store-bought wet jerk sauce as “enchilada sauce” and garnish the dish with shredded jack cheese.
Need to get into chicken thighs? You can prepare this recipe with chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or pork shoulder (requires 8 hours).

The jerk chicken prepared in a slow cooker brings the bold flavors of Jamaica to your table with simplicity. A symphony of seasonings and slow-cooked tenderness make this dish versatile and delicious. This Caribbean classic can be prepared in the comfort of one’s kitchen by flavor enthusiasts and flavor explorers equally.

Thank you for reading…..