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Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Chadon Beni Honey Lime Roasted Chicken.

While it’s currently summertime and most of us in northern climates prefer to not have our indoor oven going, as explained in the video below this recipe can also be effectively done on an outdoors grill. If you’re doing this outdoor on the grill you can do so in a baking dish or grill the seasoned chicken directly on the grilling surface (heat source of your choice, however charcoal or wood will give you better results).

5 lbs chicken (skin on)
3-4 tablespoon olive oil
zest 1 lime
3 limes (juice)
2-3 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to your liking)
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
3 tablespoons finely chopped Chadon Beni
5 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 tablespoon pepper flakes

Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there. Should you want to add a teaspoon of grated ginger and a tablespoon of light Soy sauce, they will definitely be excellent additions. If making this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure that they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements.

I used a variety of cuts of chicken in doing this recipe, without using chicken breast as it will dry-out in the oven. With a combo of wings, drums and legs with the thigh and back attached, you’ll end up having juicy flavorful pieces of chicken. The large drumsticks were cut down the thickest parts for even cooking. And while I removed any fat I could see, I did leave the skin on.

Combine all of the ingredients (except the chicken) in a bowl and give it a whisk. Reserve 1/4 of this marinade, which we’ll treat as a dressing later on.

If you cannot source Chadon Beni (culantro), you may substitute Cilantro (coriander) instead.

Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, mix well to coat and allow it to marinate for no less than 2 hours. * Remember to reserve 1/4 of the marinade for later.

If you wanted to use 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, agave, maple syrup or any sweetener you prefer instead of honey, you may do so.

Preheat your oven to 375 F. Then place the roasting pan with the chicken on the middle rack uncovered.

After 20 minutes, flip the chicken pieces and do so every 20 minutes or so moving forward, until they’re fully cooked.

After an hour and 15 minutes the chicken should be fully cooked and golden! Shut off the oven, drizzle on the reserved marinade and enjoy! Serve with some of that Tomato Rice, Okra Rice or Coconut Rice I shared a while back.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Lemon Honey Mustard Glazed Roasted Chicken.

While mommy made amazing baked chicken (I don’t ever recall hearing the word ‘roast’ or ‘roasted’), especially around Christmas-time, when turkey wasn’t as popular as it is today in the Caribbean during the holidays. Typically it would be a large chicken cut into large pieces seasoned with Caribbean Green Seasoning and roasted until it was golden brown and fully cooked.

You’ll Need…

2 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs each)
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
2 stalks rosemary (divided)
8 sprigs thyme (divided)
8 sage leaves (divided)
2 head of garlic (tops trimmed off)
2 cups of chicken stock
2 tablespoon honey
2 lemons (juice)
3/4 tablespoon dry mustard powder

Notes. Please use the video below to follow along as some questions you may have will answered there. I didn’t use a wire rack in the roasting pan, but you may if you wanted. Be sure to spray your roasting pan with cooking spray or line it with foil to help making clean-up later easier. If doing this recipe gluten free be sure to go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially the chicken stock you use.

In a small bowl mix together the oil, Caribbean Green Seasoning, black pepper and salt. Brush the chicken with this marinade (in and out). Stuff the cavity of each chicken with rosemary, thyme, sage and one head of garlic each (try to place them last as we’ll remove them during roasting) . In the video below I showed how I trimmed off the top part of the garlic so later on the garlic itself will be easier to remove out of the skin.

Place the now seasoned and stuffed birds in your roasting pan and pour the chicken stock on the bottom. Then into a 400 F preheated oven on the middle rack for one hour. If you find that it’s getting dark or burned in some areas, you may lightly tent them with foil. I didn’t.

After 1 hour, remove the garlic from the cavity of the chicken and place the chicken back in the oven but raise the temperature to 425 F . Time to make the Lemon Honey Mustard Glaze. In a blender or food processor (I used a magic bullet) add the garlic cloves (remove the skins), honey, mustard and juice from the lemons. Should you want a more pronounced lemon flavor, zest the lemons and add it to the glaze. For a more pronounced mustard flavor, add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard as well.

One hour and 20 minutes later, it’s time to remove the chickens from the oven and hit them with their first coat of glaze with a brush. Since the sugar in the honey will make it easy to burn when they roast moving forward, may I recommend you lower the shelf in the oven and to keep an eye on things in case you need to rotate the roasting pan.

I applied 5 coats of the glaze in about 15-20 minutes (from the time I started applying the glaze). Keep in mind that if you use larger chickens they may take a bit longer to fully cook.

Remove from the oven once they’re fully cooked and PLEASE allow them to rest for about 8-10 minutes before you cut/serve. At the one hour mark when I removed the garlic, I also removed the chicken stock from the pan to make my gravy. Should you be interested in that chicken gravy recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment.

Definitely not mommy’s baked chicken, however as with most of the recipes I share, her mark in in there somewhere.

roasted chicken legs on an oven tray
Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Quick Herb Roasted Chicken.

There’s something so comforting about oven roasted (or bake chicken as my mom say) chicken. From the wonderful scent of it in the oven, to the rich notes of herbs on the crispy skin and that warm juicy interior. Herb Roasted Chicken does not have to be complicated.. allow me to prove that to you in the following few simple steps.

You‘ll Needโ€ฆ

6-8 chicken legs
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 large cloves garlic
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon rosemary
3/4 teaspoon dried pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon oregano (optional – I forgot to add it in this recipe)

IMPORTANT! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

Crush the garlic with the salt and coriander seeds, then add the rest of the spices, olive oil etc mentioned above.

Mix well, and coat the chicken pieces with this rub. I cleaned off as much of the fat off the chicken legs as I could, but I did leave the skin on. You’ll thank me later for that crispy skin. Be sure to massage both sides of the chicken with the herb marinade.

Place on a baking tray (line with foil or parchment paper to make cleaning easier after), I didn’t and it took a while to clean the tray after.

Into a preheated 400 F oven – middle rack (uncovered). 1 hour and 10 minutes later and you’re done. No need to baby sit this. Do adjust to cooking time according to the size of your chicken pieces.

Drop me your comments below, tag me onย Instagramย and donโ€™t forget you can now get my cookbook โ€“ย The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipesย @ย CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Meat & Poultry

Caribbean Stewed Chicken with Mushrooms and Green Olives

In my humble opinion, nothing beats a classic pot of Caribbean stewed chicken; tender, juicy, and full of that signature island flavor. But yuh know me, always experimenting in the kitchen. One day, I tossed in some mushrooms and green olives, just for the vibe, and wow, what a tasty twist! The mushrooms soak up all that rich gravy, while the olives bring a nice briny punch that balances everything out. And since my girls don’t like olives, guess who gets to enjoy the whole pot in peace? Yepโ€”me. Give this one a try, and donโ€™t be afraid to make it your own.

Stewed chicken with mushrooms and olives in a silver saute pan resting on the stove

Ingredient Guide

  • Chicken (Legs and Thighs): Bone-in cuts are ideal for stewing, offering rich flavor and tenderness.
  • Caribbean Green Seasoning: A vibrant blend of herbs like scallions, thyme, garlic, and parsley.
  • Scotch Bonnet Pepper: A fiery chili pepper common in Caribbean cuisine. Use with caution, and remove seeds to reduce heat.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy depth to the marinade.
  • Tomato Ketchup: Provides a touch of sweetness and acidity.
  • Brown Sugar: Used for caramelizing and adding a rich color and flavor to the stew.
  • Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
  • Green Olives: Introduce a briny contrast that complements the savory elements.
  • Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor and meaty texture enhance the stew’s richness.

Shopping Made Easy

  • Chicken: Opt for bone-in legs and thighs for maximum flavor.
  • Caribbean Green Seasoning: Available in Caribbean markets, or make your own with fresh herbs.
  • Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Found in the produce section of Caribbean or Latin grocery stores.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Check the condiments aisle; ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
  • Coconut Milk: Available in the international foods section.
  • Green Olives: Look for pitted green olives in jars or cans.
  • Mushrooms: Fresh white or cremini mushrooms work well.

Cooking Notes from the Kitchen

  • Marination: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to absorb the flavors fully.
  • Caramelizing Sugar: Watch the sugar closely as it caramelizes to avoid burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
  • Simmering: After adding the coconut milk and water, simmer the stew gently to develop a rich, flavorful gravy.
  • Final Touches: Add the olives and parsley towards the end to maintain their texture and freshness.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in pieces provide more flavor and richness to the stew.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount of scotch bonnet pepper used. For a milder dish, use less pepper or remove the seeds.

Can I substitute the coconut milk?

If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use chicken broth or water, but the stew will have a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, rice and peas, or even mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4

Description

A hearty Caribbean stew where tender chicken is simmered with earthy mushrooms and briny green olives in a rich, coconut-infused gravy.

Ingredients

Instructions

Video
  1. Clean and trim the fat and skin from the chicken, and prepare to season.ย 

  2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with Caribbean green seasoning, salt, diced onion, diced tomato, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, diced scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until it becomes frothy and turns a deep amber color.

  4. Carefully add the marinated chicken to the pot, including any marinade juices. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces with the caramelized sugar. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and cook for about 5 minutes.

  5. Uncover the pot and increase the heat to high. Cook until the liquid reduces and the chicken is evenly browned, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes on high heat, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture.ย 

  7. Pour the water into the bowl used for marinating the chicken to collect any remaining marinade, then add it to the pot along with the coconut milk. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8โ€“10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

  8. Remove the lid and increase the heat to help thicken the gravy to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

  9. Add the green olives and chopped parsley to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 3โ€“5 minutes.

  10. Serve hot over steamed rice or your preferred side dish.

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Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Caribbean Ginger Stewed Chicken With String Beans.

stew chicken with string beans (11)

This is a dish mom would always make on a Monday, when she would have leftover stewed chicken from Sunday’s massive lunch (well if my brother and I didn’t attack the chicken the evening before as we watched Knight Rider). The string beans or in some cases Bodi (yard bean) usually came from our little kitchen garden at the back of the house and I was somehow always involved in picking them. This time we’ll rock this from ‘scratch’.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs chicken (drum with thighs)
1 lb string beans (you’ll be safe with 2 lbs if you want more beans)
1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
1/2 medium onion (diced)
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (no seeds)
1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
Ginger (I used about a 1 1/2 inch piece)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon veg oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup water
6 grape tomatoes

Important! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs. Additionally, when handling such hot peppers as scotch bonnets, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after with soap and water. Also note that the ginger will give this stew a peppery undertone as well.

The chicken was cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces, cleaned and most of the fat and skin removed. In a large bowl place the chicken, with the salt, black pepper, ginger, Caribbean Green seasoning, Ketchup, onionย  andย Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and allow it to marinate while you trim and cut the string beans. Cut off the tips and then trim into 1ย  – 1 1/2 inch pieces. Cover with cool water to keep fresh.

stew chicken with string beans (1)

With the ginger you can certainly grate it is so you won’t get a chunk of ginger when eating.. I luv getting bits of ginger so Iย julienne it in this recipe.ย  For the following step you may want to watch the video below.

Heat the veg oil on a high heat in a heavy pan. Then add the brown sugar and using a dry spoon, move it a around. It will start to melt, go frothy, then amber in color. Act NOW! Add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Yes you add everything. Mix well to coat the chicken pieces with the caramelized sugar. No the dish will NOT be sweet. If the sugar goes beyond amber (black) stop! Don’t proceed or you’ll have bitter tasting chicken.

stew chicken with string beans (2)

stew chicken with string beans (3)

stew chicken with string beans (4)

Turn the heat down to medium, place a lid on the pot and cook for about 5-8 minutes. It will spring a lot of natural juices. The next step in to infuse the chicken with the ‘stew’ flavor and give it a lovely golden color. Crank up the heat, remove the lid and burn off all the liquid.

stew chicken with string beans (5)

After about 4-6 minutes you should see the oil we started withย at the bottom of the pot… it’s now time to add the trimmed string beans to the pot and stir well.

stew chicken with string beans (6)

stew chicken with string beans (7)

stew chicken with string beans (8)

Swish the cup of water in the same bowl you marinated the chicken to pick up any remaining marinade, then pour it into the pot with the chicken and beans. Bring this up to a boil, then reduce to a rolling boil. The goal is to fully cook the chicken and beans.

stew chicken with string beans (9)

After about 15 minutes, this should be ready. However, you must personalize this a bit. Taste for salt and adjust and there will be a bit of gravy on the bottom of the pot. You may burn that off completely (with lid off) or leave it to pour over your rice. In my case I gave it 3 minutes with the lid off.. this is where I added the tomatoes to the pot as I didn’t want them to over-cook.

stew chicken with string beans (10)

stew chicken with string beans (12)

The perfect combo for this (besides hot Sada Roti) is hot rice.. steamed, boiled or done in your fav way. For me it’s boiled long grain par-boiled brown.

Do you own a copy of my cookbook ?-ย The Vibrant Caribbean Pot 100 Traditional And Fusion recipes Vol 2

 

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Sorrel Pomegranate Roasted Chicken.

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (8)

Iย first shared this recipe last holiday season on YouTube and it was one of the best rated videos I did the last quarter of 2017. I guess I’m not alone in my dislike for Turkey, so many people opted to give this Caribbean festive roasted chicken a test drive. As a kid growing up on the islands I always looked forward to when sorrel was in season (usually around Christmas time) as I’ve always been a fan of the juice made from this hibiscus family of flowers. The natural balance of the citrus, sorrel and pomegranate is just awesome as a glaze on chicken (and pork) as you’re about to learn.

You’ll Need…

3 lb chicken
2 slices ginger
1 mandarin / clementine (cut in half)
4 cloves garlic (smashed)
10 sprigs thyme
1/2 medium onion (cut in half)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

2 large pomegranates (juice and seeds)
6 sorrel buds (aka dried hibiscus)
2 clementine / mandarin (juice)
2 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 tablespoon golden brown sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 slices ginger

Important! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

Pre-heat the oven to 400 F. As it comes to temperature, stuff the clean chicken with the ginger, clementine, garlic, thyme and onion. I used a cast iron pan (skillet) as I find I get a better ‘browned’ chicken, since the sides are very low. Drizzle on the olive oil on the pan to prevent sticking, place the chicken on the roasting pan and sprinkle on the salt and black pepper over it. If you wanted to add salt and black pepper in the cavity of the chicken you’ can also do so.

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (1)

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (2)

Into the 400 F oven on the center rack. As the chicken roast in the oven, we can go ahead and make the pomegranate sorrel glaze to use in an hour or so. In a saucepan place the pomegranate, mandarin, ginger, honey, salt, water, sorrel and sugar. Onto a med/high flame and bring to a boil. As it comes to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and reduce by 2/3 or so. It may take between 20-30 minutes.

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (3)

After about 20 minutes in the oven I took the chicken out and basted it with the drippingsย which accumulated in the skillet. Back in the oven on the middle rack. Note that I didn’t cover the chicken with foil.

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (4)

Depending on the size of the chicken, it will take between 1 hr and 75 minutes to fully cook. At this point remove it from the oven and baste on the glaze we made and back into the oven. It stayed for about 5-7 minutes, before I did it again.. 3 times in total. At first I spooned on the glaze, then I found that a brush was better suited for this.

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (5)

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (6)

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (7)

sorrel pomegranate roasted chicken (9)

 

As you’ve seen in the image above, including some of the pomegranate seeds makes for excellent presentation and the lovely burst of juice is awesome when eating the chicken itself. I forgot to mention that you can find sorrel in it’sย dried form (my new fav)ย  all year long and I’ve even seen it being sold on Amazon as well.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try as it’s a great way to add some additional flavor to boring oven roasted chicken.

Do you own a copy of my cookbook ?-ย The Vibrant Caribbean Pot 100 Traditional And Fusion recipes Vol 2

 

Meat & Poultry

Foolproof Caribbean Stew Chicken

brown stew chicken (8)

Seems the number one concern / problem people run into when it comes to cooking Caribbean style stew chicken, is the ‘browning’ step. Basically it involves melting brown sugar until it goes frothy, then amber in colour, before adding the seasoned chicken to the pot. If you allow it to go too long and you end up burning the sugar and thus bitter tasting chicken. Not enough time and you’ll have pale, bland tasting stew chicken. Today I’ve got a foolproofย fix for this.

You’ll Need…

3-4 lbs chicken (thighs – skin + fat removed)
1 inch piece of ginger (sliced thin or grated)
1 1/2 tablespoon tomato ketchup
3 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/4 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup water
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (sliced thin)

1 tablespoon veg oil
3/4 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 scallions (chopped)
1/2 medium tomato (diced)
3 sprigs thyme
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
3/4 cup water

Place the clean trimmed chicken pieces in a large bowl and get ready to marinate it for about 30 minutes. In another bowl, mix the ginger, ketchup, garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce,Worcestershire sauce,ย  water and scotch bonnet pepper.ย  Then pour half of the marinade over the chicken and mix. Marinate for about 30 minutes for best results. In my case I marinated it for 10 mins.

brown stew chicken (1)

brown stew chicken (2)

Heat a heavy/wide pan on a med/high flame, then go in with the veg oil.ย Now add the seasoned chicken to the pan and brown off. Don’t place a lid on the pan. The idea here is to develop some color by burning off all the liquid. Yes, I did allow the marinade to go into the pot as well.

brown stew chicken (3)

It will take about 12-15 minutes to burn off all the liquid and get the chicken a nice color. Keep in mind that we’ve got sugar in the marinade so keep a close eye on things near the end (sugar burns).

brown stew chicken (4)

In the same bowl you marinated the chicken in, swish aroundย  the 3/4 cup of water, then add it to the pan with the now browned chicken, along with the 1/2 marinade we reserved. Top it with the salt, black pepper, scallions, thyme, parsley and tomato. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook with the lid slightly ajar. The first step was to develop color and flavor and this second step is to ensure the chicken is fully cooked all the way through.

brown stew chicken (5)

After about 15 minutes the chicken should be fully cooked (depending how big your chicken pieces are). It’s now time to personalize the dish by tasting for salt and adjusting, and you have the option of burning off the liquid until you get the gravy to a consistency you like. For me the 15 minutes did the job.

brown stew chicken (6)

brown stew chicken (7)

I like topping with some chopped scallions (or parsley) when I turn off the stove. Super-Simple and definitely foolproof when it comes to making Caribbean style stew chicken. Should you be intimidated in making stewed chicken, I guarantee you this will work for you.

Do you own a copy of my cookbook ?-ย The Vibrant Caribbean Pot 100 Traditional And Fusion recipes Vol 2

Recipe Card

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 6

Description

A flavorful Jamaican stew featuring marinated chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce enhanced with browning and traditional spices.

Ingredients

Instructions

Video
  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken with sea salt, black pepper, jerk dry rub, smoked paprika, pimento berries, browning sauce, soy sauce, sliced onion, scallions, carrot, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
  2. Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
  3. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and brown them in batches until all sides are seared. Do not overcrowd the pot.
  4. Once all chicken pieces are browned, remove excess oil from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Return the reserved marinade, including vegetables and spices, to the pot and sautรฉ for 3 minutes.
  5. Add the browned chicken back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Pour in 2 cups of water, stirring to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add diced tomato and tomato ketchup, stirring well.
  7. Simmer the stew uncovered for 15โ€“20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove pimento berries, thyme sprigs, and ginger slices before serving.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.
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Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Tasty Island Style Roasted Chicken Drumsticks.

oven roasted chicken (8)

Here’s a quick and simple chicken dish I usually make during the cooler months when I can use the oven without overheating the entire house. During the summer months these marinated chicken pieces also make its way onto my outdoor grill. ย The key with this recipe is the spiced rub we marinate the chicken with for maximum Caribbean appeal. If you decide to rock these on your outdoor grill, I’d recommend cooking them on an indirect heat or you’ll risk burning the spices and you won’t like the outcome.

You’ll Need…

4-6 lbs chicken drumsticks
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
zest 1 orange
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon dried pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Optional.. 1 teaspoon smoked (spicy) paprika

Important! If doing this recipe gluten free please go through the entire list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

Grate the orange zest into a small bowl. Tip: If the oranges you have access to is coated with wax (looks bright and shiny) , avoid using them for zesting – try to get an organic orange without any wax coating. Mix in all the other ingredients (except the chicken pieces) to form a moist rub.

oven roasted chicken (1)

oven roasted chicken (2)

oven roasted chicken (3)

Now go ahead and rub the chicken pieces with the rub (wear a gloves if you have sensitive skin.. the pepper flakes can cause issues), cover and place in the fridge to marinate for about 4 hours.

oven roasted chicken (4)

As your oven pre-heat to 400 F remove the seasoned chicken from the fridge and allow it to come back to room temperature. I used a wire rack on a baking sheet to roast these off. This will allow for the hot air to circulate around the chicken pieces and cook evenly. Try to place then on a single layer and with a bit of space between each. You may want to line your baking sheet with tin foil for easier clean up after (the sheet is to catch any drippings) and you can use some cooking spray or brush on some vegetable oil on your wire rack. If you don’t have a wire rack, use a tinfoil-lined baking tray brushed with some vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

oven roasted chicken (5)

At 400 F and on the middle rack of the oven, the chicken will take between 1 hour and 1 hr and 15 minutes. Depending on the size of your drumsticks.

oven roasted chicken (6)

oven roasted chicken (7)

While these areย excellent done in the oven and outdoor grill, if you have a smoker.. that’s where you’ll really have some fun with this recipe. BTW this rub works great on ribs and other cuts of pork as well… and you’re not confined to only using the drumsticks of the chicken. If using thighs or breasts, do adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Haitian Influenced Epis Chicken.

haitian epis chicken (6)

After making a fresh batch of Epis (zepis)ย I decided to put it to use on some boneless chicken breast I had thawing in the sink for dinner. If you’ve ever struggled with dry and bland chicken breast (say chicken chest in the Caribbean) you’ll definitely want to give this recipe a try. Moist, tender and packed with flavors of that Haitian Epis. I’m not sure if there’s an actual Epis Chicken recipe in Haiti, but I was thoroughly impressed with this one.

You’ll Need…

3 skinless/boneless chicken breast
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (add more to your liking)
1 tablespoon Haitian Epis
2 tablespoon coconut oil

Important! If making this dish gluten free, be sure to go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

Season the cleaned chicken breasts with the salt, black pepper and Epis. Mix well and allow to marinate for 2 hours.

haitian epis chicken (1)

haitian epis chicken (2)

In a wide pan (one with a lid) heat the coconut oil (or use your fav oil) on a medium flame, then add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot. Yes, it’s ok if the marinade goes in too. Immediately turn the heat down to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip.

haitian epis chicken (3)

Now place the lid on the pot and cook on LOW for about 10-12 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your chicken breast, they should be near cooked. Remove the lid and cook on medium/high for another 5-8 minutes to burn off any excess liquid which would form naturally and to give the chicken a golden color.

haitian epis chicken (4)

haitian epis chicken (5)

Do remember to flip to brown and cook evenly. I then removed them from the pan and allowed it to rest for about 4 minutes before I sliced though. In the meantime I made a quick pan gravy in the same pan I pan roasted the chicken.

haitian epis chicken (7)

haitian epis chicken (8)

By seasoning and slow cooking you’re guaranteed to get tasty and moist chicken, without any fuss.

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Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Easy Roast Chicken, Memories Of My Childhood.

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This roast chicken takes me back to my childhood days visiting my godfather in Princess Town (Trinidad). His chef would usually prepare this for us for lunch… served with steaming bowls of white rice and stir-fried cabbage, carrots and bell peppers. I still remember the fear which would come over me when his massive Great Dane named “Buster” would come begging for food from me. Buster was so BIG, it’s rumored that as a kid I could easily ride him like a pony.

You’ll Need…

1 1/2 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
2 scallions (chopped)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
1 whole chicken

Important: If doing this recipe gluten free, you’ll need to use a gluten free soy sauce (tamari) to ensure it meets with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

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Place all the ingredients (except the chicken) in a bowl and give it a good mix. I grated the ginger and chopped the scallions.ย Place the chicken into a zip lock bag (or bowl) and pour the marinade over it. Give it a good mix/massage and allow it to marinate in the fridge overnight or at least 2 hours. Tip: Place the bag on a plate in the fridge so if it leaks it will not spill throughout the fridge.

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Next day, preheat your oven to 375 F. I lined my baking pan with parchment paper (you may also use tin foil), placed the chicken on it and covered loosely with tin foil. I like brushing off the extra marinade before I place it on the middle rack in the oven.

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After 35 mins, remove the tin foil and crank up the oven to 400 F and back on the middle rack.

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After 30-35 minutes @ 400 ย you’ll have a golden chicken, with a slightly crispy skin.

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If you find that you don’t get the color you want, you can always turn on the ‘broil’ setting on your oven the last 4-5 minutes. If you do opt to use the ‘broil” setting, I’d recommend keeping a close eye on it as the heat will be HIGH (usually 525 F) and can easily burn the skin.

While not the precise recipe I grew up eating (Iย lost contact with my godfather over 25 yrs ago.. hopefully I can reconnect and get the actual recipe from him), it’s very similar (taste) and I assure you that this will not only be the easiest roast chicken you’ve ever made… you’ll be blown away at how juicy and flavorfulย this is.

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Meat & Poultry

Oven Roasted Curry Chicken Recipe.

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Mom never swayed from the ‘traditional’ way of cooking curry chickenย (as done in the Caribbean) when she would sort us out with a good curry and dhalpuri roti on the occasionalย Sunday morning. While nothing can compare to such a classic method of cooking curry chicken, I’m always looking for ways to change things up a bit. In this recipe we’ll marinate the chicken in a rich yogurt curry marinade, before roasting it in the oven.

You’ll Need…

1 medium Chicken (cut into 1/4)
1 cup yogurt
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
2 scallions
4 sprigs thyme
2 cloves garlic
1 lemon
2 birds eye pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Give all the necessary ingredients a fine chop, them mix everything into a marinade. Pour it over the chicken pieces, massage and put in the fridge covered with plastic wrap to marinate for at least 2 hours. If your chicken pieces are large/thick I would recommend giving each piece a cut to allow the marinade to really penetrate and to help in the roasting process later on. Remember to trim off any excess skin and fat and discard. I included the seeds from the bird’s eye pepper (use any hot pepper you like) for that extra kick. Remove if you’re concerned about the raw heat.

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Preheat your oven to 400 F..ย as it comes up to temperate remove the chicken out of the fridge. Place it on a roasting pan lined with parchment paper to makeย it easy to clean up later when it’s done roasting. BTW, the marinade may stain your fingers, so if you’re concerned about this use tongs or wear gloves when you season the chicken with the marinade.

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Roast on the middle rack for about 50 minutes, uncovered.

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During the summer months you can grill the chicken for another level of flavor.. but I would recommend grilling on an indirect heat, so you don’t risk flare-ups and burned pieces of chicken (and overly DRY chicken). As mentioned, this is not your typical curry chicken, however the yogurt based marinade will help tenderize the chicken pieces and you’ll find that the chicken breast will be moist and juicy.

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Meat & Poultry

Summer Chicken Chow Delight.

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With the success of the Pork Chow recipe I shared prior to the summer, I thought I’d share a quicker versionย using rotisserie chicken one can pick up at most supermarkets, being that it’s a great party food idea when visiting friends. As with the pork chow recipe, it’s based on the traditional method of making the spicy pickle usually with mango or other tart fruits. Typically I’d classify this as ‘cuttas’ or drinking food, usually served alongside adult beverages, but it’s just as great a side dish for your dinner.

You’ll Need…

1 roasted chicken (cut into pieces)
1 lemon
2-4 tablespoon water
1 scotch bonnet pepper
pinch sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 clove garlic
3 scallions
2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
drippings from roasted chicken (if there’s any)

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Finely chop the cilantro, scotch bonnet pepper (remember to avoid the seeds and white membrane around the seeds if you’re concerned about the raw heat and to wash your hands with soap and water after handling such hot peppers), scallions and you can either crush the garlic or chop it finely as well. Put in all in a bowl, along with the water, salt, black pepper and the juice of the lemon (btw lime juice will work great as well). A good idea is to cut the scotch bonnet pepper into big pieces so people can easily identify them.. so as to avoid it if necessary. Place it all in a bowl and give it a good mix…set aside.

Allow the chicken to chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes so it firms up a bit (makes chopping easier), then cut into small pieces. You can keep or remove the skin.. with rotisserie chicken I find that the skin is quite attractive to some people, so I left it on. It’s now time to assemble the chicken chow. BTW, if you click on Recipe Index at the top we have a couple recipes for roasted chicken if you choose to make your over chicken from scratch.

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Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and gently mix it to combine all the flavors. That’s it!

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You can allow it to marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes to really absorb the flavors of the marinade or serve immediately. The goal of ‘chow’ is to be spicy, but you can certainly tailor it to your own liking. I forgot to mention that should you have any dripping in the container the chicken came in, add that to your marinade for extra flavor!