Entree: Bahamas – Bahamian Baked Chicken (Oven-baked Caribbean-style marinated chicken with citrus and island spices)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 45 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 50 min

Ingredients

- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, approx. 8 oz (225 g) each
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp (14 g) brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6 g)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (approx. 4 oz / 115 g)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (approx. 4 oz / 115 g)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped (or 1 small hot pepper), (approx. 15 g)
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 g)
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (60 g) plain breadcrumbs (optional for crisp topping)
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl whisk together vegetable oil, lime juice, orange juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat; fold in sliced onion, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Transfer chicken, skin-side up, to a baking dish in a single layer (reserve marinade and vegetables around pieces). Sprinkle breadcrumbs over chicken if using. Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 35–45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden, basting once with pan juices halfway through. Let rest 5 minutes before serving with pan vegetables and juices spooned over.