Jerk-Roasted Chicken

Ingredientes

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground allspice

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 teaspoons dried oregano

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken parts, trimmed and patted dry

10 medium garlic cloves, peeled

1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili, stemmed

¼ cup lime juice, plus 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 scallions, thinly sliced

Instruções

Heat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the middle position. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, allspice, thyme, oregano, cinnamon, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper.

Place the chicken parts on a rimmed baking sheet and evenly season both sides with the spice mixture. Place the garlic cloves and chili in a single layer down the center of the baking sheet, then arrange the chicken parts, skin up, around the garlic; this prevents the garlic from scorching during roasting.

Roast the chicken until the thickest part of the breast (if using) reaches 160°F and the thickest part of the largest thigh/leg (if using) reaches 175°F, 30 to 40 minutes. A skewer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should meet no resistance. Transfer the chicken to a platter; leave the garlic on the baking sheet.

Using a fork, mash the garlic and chili to a paste on the baking sheet. Carefully pour ⅓ cup water onto the baking sheet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Pour the mixture into a small bowl and whisk in the lime zest and juice, oil and scallions. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve the sauce with the chicken.

Notas

Typical Jamaican jerk seasoning packs a big punch of heat from Scotch bonnet chilies. Here, we call for just one chili; it roasts along with the chicken and garlic and becomes part of the sauce. If you like, you can use a milder chili, such as serrano or jalapeño. Use chicken breasts, legs, thighs or a combination.

Don’t use a roasting pan. The low sides of a sturdy rimmed baking sheet allow the chicken to cook quickly and brown evenly