So, today is Caribbean Day at work. Am I there? No, I’m on vacation! But I did send in some Jerk Chicken and Cooling Ranch Veggies to the party since it’s important to feed the masses. So, yes, because I enjoy sharing, I’ll share both recipes for you.
Jerking the Chicken
3 lbs chicken thighs, not frozen, leave on skin
Jerk Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground allspice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 1/3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2cup white vinegar
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, finely diced (or use 2 jalapenos)
- 3/4 white onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion
- 3/4 tablespoon fresh chopped garlic
Mix all ingredients together. Put in a slow cooker with chicken. Cook on low heat for 6-9 hours until it’s pull apart tender. Take out chicken, remove the bone and skin, then shred meat with 2 forks. Drain out the liquid in a strainer, reserving the lovely food bits to add into the meat.
Now unto the jerk sauce to add to the meat.
Jerk Sauce
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 can tomato sauce
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Mix together and then pour onto shredded chicken and mix thoroughly. Serve warm.
Cool Ranch Veggies
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed thoroughly
1 cup pea, steamed
1 cup cauliflower, steamed
1 cup carrots, diced and steamed
1/2 cup sour cream
1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix
1/4 cup low fat mayo
2 tsp dill
Make sure you’ve cooked the cauliflower, peas, and carrots. Once they’ve cooked and are fork tender, put in a large bowl. Add in the chickpeas. Then put in the mayo, sour cream, Ranch mix, and dill. Mix thoroughly. You can serve this warm or cold- either way it’s really refreshing with the warmth of the Jerking the Chicken!