Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
If you’ve never had authentic Jamaican jerk chicken, you’re in for a treat!
This Jamaican jerk chicken recipe is smoky, flavorful, and irresistibly juicy. Each bite is packed with bold, spicy, mouthwatering goodness!
Jerk chicken is deeply rooted in Jamaican history and culture. It is an iconic dish that is loved by Jamaicans and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Whether you’re cooking it on a grill, or in the oven, this recipe will bring the vibrant flavors of Jamaica straight to your kitchen!
What is Jerk?
Jerk is a traditional Jamaican cooking style that involves marinating meat—typically chicken or pork—with a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings, then grilling or smoking it over pimento wood.
The term “jerk” refers both to the seasoning and the cooking technique. It originated from the Maroons, who adapted indigenous Taino cooking methods to preserve and flavor their food.
The combination of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice (pimento), thyme, and other spices creates the signature heat and depth of flavor that jerk is known for.
What is Jamaican Jerk Chicken?
Jamaican jerk chicken is the most well-known and popular way to enjoy jerk cooking.
The chicken is marinated in a bold, fiery jerk seasoning that infuses it with layers of spice, smokiness, and a hint of sweetness.
The marinade typically consists of allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, thyme, scallions, soy sauce, brown sugar, and various aromatic spices.
Traditionally, the marinated chicken is grilled over an open flame, preferably on pimento wood, which adds a distinctive smoky flavor.
Why You Will Love This Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
You will love this Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe for the following reasons:
1. Authentic Flavor – This recipe captures the essence of true Jamaican jerk chicken with a well-balanced marinade that’s packed with traditional spices.
2. Easy to Make – While the ingredient list may seem long, the process is simple and well worth the effort.
3. Versatile Cooking Methods – You can grill it, or bake it if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, family dinner, or a casual meal, this dish is sure to impress.
5. Customizable Heat Level – You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers used.
Ingredients for Jamaican Jerk Chicken
To make Jamaican Jerk Chicken, you need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Legs or Thighs
- Jerk Marinade (store-bought), mild or hot; Grace or Walkerswood recommended
- Jerk sauce (store-bought), Grace or Walkerswood recommended
- All-Purpose Seasoning
- Browning
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Onion
- Brown Sugar
- Escallion (green onion)
- Garlic,
- Pimento Seeds (allspice berries),
- Fresh Thymes
- Ginger (optional)
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Blender or food processor (for the marinade)
- Large mixing bowl
- Grill or oven
- Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
- Basting brush (optional, for adding extra marinade while grilling)
- Meat thermometer (to ensure proper cooking temperature)
How to Make Jamaican Jerk Chicken
To make Jamaican jerk chicken, you will need to first marinate the chicken by coating it in a rich blend of jerk marinade, fresh seasonings, and spices. Let it soak in the flavors for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best taste.
For grilling, cook the chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until nearly done. Brush with jerk sauce or BBQ sauce, then finish grilling until fully cooked and slightly charred.
For baking, roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 40 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for the last few minutes to add a smoky char.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich, spicy, and smoky taste of Jamaican jerk chicken!
🍴✨ You can view the step-by-step instructions and the full recipe below.
What to Serve with Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican jerk chicken pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors:
- Rice and Peas – A traditional Jamaican side made with kidney beans, coconut milk, and rice.
- Jamaican Hard Dough Bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra jerk sauce.
- Jamaica drinks – A refreshing and fruity accompaniment that enhances the flavors of the jerk chicken.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe: FAQs
1. How spicy is Jamaican jerk chicken?
It can be quite spicy due to Scotch bonnet peppers, but you can adjust the heat by using fewer peppers.
2. Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely! Baking still delivers great flavor.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken? At least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds Chicken Legs or Thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons Jerk Marinade (store-bought), mild or hot; Grace or Walkerswood recommended
- 1 jar Jerk sauce (store-bought) Grace or Walkerswood recommended
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Browning
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Salt
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 stalk Escallion (green onion), finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 Pimento Seeds (allspice berries), crushed
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme, chopped
- 1 Ginger (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Marinate the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Blend onion, escallion, fresh thyme, garlic, pimento seeds (all spice berries), brown sugar, and optional ginger in a food processor until smooth.
- Add olive oil, jerk marinade, blended seasoning, browning, all-purpose seasoning, and salt to the chicken. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
To Grill:
- Remove the chicken from the fridge 35 minutes before grilling.
- Heat the BBQ grill to medium-high and spray the grates with cooking oil.
- Place the chicken on the grill, turning occasionally until nearly done.
- Move the chicken to a cooler area of the grill and brush with jerk sauce or BBQ sauce, repeating until fully coated.
- Continue grilling until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. S
- Serve hot and enjoy your authentic Jamaican jerk chicken!
To Bake:
- 35 minutes before baking, remove the chicken from the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rack in the lower middle position. Spray a wire rack with cooking oil or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet or rack, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and nicely browned.
- When the chicken is nearly done, turn on the broiler for 3-5 minutes to create a slight char.
- Serve hot and enjoy your authentic Jamaican jerk chicken!
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