When Christmas ends, Kwanzaa begins! For our continued journey through the winter holidays and their signature dishes, we’ll be making Jerk Chicken for Kwanzaa today. It’s a spicy, savory recipe that packs a delicious punch that my family went crazy for. This recipe uses a delicious marinade that ensures the chicken is juicy…and you can choose to use your grill or your oven to sear it to perfection. We’ve loved learning about so many different holidays this year, and are excited to enjoy this dish during Kwanzaa, which begins on December 26 and ends on January 1 this season.

Origins of Kwanzaa

First – do you know the origins of the Kwanzaa holiday? Kwanzaa is primarily celebrated in the United States, and the holiday was devised by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies. Kwanzaa is inspired by the first-fruits celebrations from Southern Africa. The recipes and food of the holiday are varied, and include favorites like black eyed peas (in many forms), sweet potato dishes, and of course, all kinds of flavorful chicken. 

Simple Ingredients That Pack a Punch

This Jerk Chicken for Kwanzaa recipe is absolutely packed with flavor! The ingredients are relatively easy to source, and should be available at your local grocery store or market. It’s important to make sure you use fresh ginger, thyme, and garlic to make sure the zing comes through; there is truly no substitute for fresh herbs! You’ll also be using dried spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and cloves. If it’s your first time combining flavors like these, you are in for a real treat! In the US, we often save spices like cinnamon for sweet dishes, but if you’ve ever tried cuisine that employs these warm flavors in a savory recipe, you know that it can be truly magical.

Important Tools

You can use a blender or food processor to combine the marinade, and make sure you let your chicken pieces get lots of time to hang out. The chicken should be marinated at a minimum of 12 hours, but can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time to invest in a meat thermometer. Knowing the exact temperature of your meat ensures that you’ll cook it to precise doneness and preserve all the juicy flavor. I can’t wait to hear how you like this Jerk Chicken!