Braised Chicken Foot (Jamaican Style)
Chicken feet might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a meal, but if you know, you know! These little gems are packed with flavor, collagen, and an irresistible texture when cooked just right. I took things up a notch for this recipe, braising them in my signature Island Spiced Oil and Pineapple Jerk Seasoning Rub—a combination that brings bold Jamaican heat, a hint of sweetness, and layers of deep, smoky flavor.
Why Chicken Feet?
In Caribbean, Asian, and African cuisines, chicken feet are a delicacy. They’re loaded with gelatin, making them perfect for slow cooking, and they soak up seasonings like a sponge. When braised, they become tender, sticky, and downright addictive.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chicken feet (cleaned and nails trimmed)
• 2 tbsp Very Necessary Finds Island Spiced Oil Pieces
• 2 tbsp Very Necessary Finds Pineapple Jerk Seasoning Rub
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced(or as much as your heart desires)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 med bay leaves
• 2 tbsp rice cooking wine
• 2 cups water
• 2 oyster sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 scallions, chopped use the white part and save the green (for garnish)
Braising is usually done low and slow, therefore a Dutch oven is usually perfect to braise in, here are a few of my favs. One lightweight and a heavyweight.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Feet
• Clean the chicken feet thoroughly by soaking them in water with a splash of vinegar.
• Trim off the nails with kitchen shears. (This step helps the feet absorb more seasoning and makes them easier to eat.)
• Rinse and drain excess water.
Step 2: Season & Marinate
• In a bowl, coat the chicken feet with Island Spiced Oil and Pineapple Jerk Seasoning Rub.
• Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor). If you don't have time it ok to cook right away, but cook enough to have left over the next day, trust me.
Step 3: Sear for Flavor
• Heat pot over medium-high heat and add a little more spiced oil with sugar, garlic, and ginger. Allow the sugar to melt and the garlic to become caramel color
• Add chicken feet and sear turning them over and over until they get a nice golden color—this locks in flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
• In the same pot, add onion, white of scallion, bay leaves, scotch bonnet soy sauce, rice cooking wine, oyster sauce, hot water, allspice berries, and thyme.
• Keep in mind the spiced oil has allspice berries so if you add some from the spiced oil, no need to add more.
• Cover the pot and lower the heat.
Step 5: Slow Braise
• Let it braise for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the feet are tender and the sauce has thickened.
• If water dries down before the chicken feet are tender, add another cup of hot water.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
• Garnish with chopped scallion (Green pieces) and serve hot .
• Enjoy them as-is, or pair them with rice, dumplings, rice and peas, mashed potato, or fried plantains for a full meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The Island Spiced Oil infuses the dish with warm, aromatic spices, while the Pineapple Jerk Seasoning Rub balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness. The slow braising process allows all the flavors to meld, creating a rich, finger-licking experience that’s worth every bite.
Would you try braised chicken feet with a Caribbean twist? Let me know in the comments! And if you need to get your hands on my Island Spiced Oil or Pineapple Jerk Seasoning Rub, visit VeryNecessaryFinds.com
Also available on Walmart. com, Esty, Amazon.com
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