Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers unforgettable flavor with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory spice. The jerk marinade deeply penetrates the chicken, ensuring every bite is infused with the authentic taste of Jamaica. Whether you grill it for that signature char or roast it in the oven, the result is mouthwatering and satisfying. It’s also versatile—great for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or served in wraps, bowls, or salads.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken pieces (bone-in thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- Scallions (green onions), chopped
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh ginger
- Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero for a milder substitute)
- Fresh thyme (or dried)
- Ground allspice
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Orange juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- In a blender or food processor, combine scallions, garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until a thick marinade forms.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Coat the chicken thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat or preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- For grilling: Cook chicken over indirect heat for 30–40 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- For oven: Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with marinade halfway through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 4 hours to overnight
Cook time: 35–45 minutes
Total time: about 5 hours (including marinating)
Variations
- Boneless Option: Use boneless thighs or breasts for quicker cooking and easy slicing.
- Less Spicy: Remove seeds from the scotch bonnet or use jalapeños for milder heat.
- Oven-Broiled Finish: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a charred exterior.
- Citrus Swap: Add pineapple juice for a fruitier jerk marinade twist.
- Vegetarian Jerk: Use the marinade on tofu, jackfruit, or portobello mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What makes jerk chicken “jerk”?
Jerk refers to the Jamaican style of marinating and cooking meat in a spice-heavy mixture featuring allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and herbs.
Is jerk chicken very spicy?
It can be, depending on the number of peppers used. You can easily adjust the heat by using fewer peppers or removing the seeds.
Can I cook jerk chicken in the oven?
Yes, roasting in the oven works very well, especially when grilling isn’t an option.
What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Bone-in thighs and drumsticks are traditional and offer the most flavor, but breasts or boneless cuts can also be used.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marination is ideal, but even 4 hours will provide good flavor. The longer it sits, the more intense the taste.
Can I use dried spices instead of fresh ingredients?
Fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and scallions are best, but dried alternatives can work in a pinch with slightly adjusted amounts.
What sides go well with jerk chicken?
Traditional sides include rice and peas, fried plantains, steamed cabbage, or a fresh mango salsa.
How do I get a smoky flavor without a grill?
Add a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade or broil the chicken briefly after baking.
Can I make jerk chicken in advance?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Cook ahead and store for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Conclusion
Jamaican Jerk Chicken is an irresistible blend of spices, heat, and vibrant flavor that brings the spirit of the Caribbean to your table. Whether grilled or oven-roasted, it’s a bold and unforgettable dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its tender, juicy texture and smoky, spicy bite, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you want to spice up your meal routine.