Hey y’all! If you’re craving something bold, spicy, and absolutely unforgettable, you’ll want to try this Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe. Juicy Chicken, smoky char, and the perfect blend of herbs and spices come together for a taste of the Caribbean right at home—perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need a little flavor escape! Ready to spice up your dinner table? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
- Fiery and flavorful marinade gives every bite a punch of authentic island taste.
- Super simple—minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients make it weeknight-friendly.
- Juicy, tender chicken thanks to the perfect blend of spices and marinating time.
- Versatile—grill, bake, or broil depending on your mood (or the weather!).
- Perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests—doubles and freezes beautifully.
Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 2 tablespoons allspice (ground)
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (ground)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (ground)
- 1-2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, seeded and chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine allspice, thyme, brown sugar, paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper. Blitz until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or salt, if desired.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour marinade over chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F/200°C). Oil grates, then grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side (thighs may need 8-10 min), until charred and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting halfway with extra marinade, until cooked through and caramelized.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then serve garnished with extra lime wedges, fresh herbs, or chopped scallions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 2 hours (up to overnight)
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe Notes
- For less heat, use only one Scotch bonnet or substitute with jalapeños. Read more about peppers at PepperScale.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken guarantees juicier, more flavorful results than boneless cuts.
- Double the batch of marinade and freeze half for a quick meal later! (See Bon Appetit’s tips on freezing marinades.)
Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe Variations
- Jerk Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Marinate for only 1 hour and bake/grill for less time to avoid overcooking.
- Sheet-Pan Jerk Chicken and Veggies: Add bell peppers and red onions to the baking tray for a one-pan meal.
- Jerk Chicken Wings: Swap in 2 lbs of chicken wings, marinate and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes for a perfect appetizer.
Equipment Needed for Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
- Blender or food processor
- Large zip-top bag or bowl for marinating
- Grill or oven
- Baking sheet or grill tongs
- Meat thermometer
Storage Instructions for Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
Store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for best texture.
Pairings & Serving Ideas for Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
- Serve with classic rice and peas, sweet fried plantains, or a fresh pineapple salsa.
- Add a crisp green salad or sautéed greens for balance.
- Pair with a refreshing drink like homemade ginger beer or iced limeade—perfect for cutting the heat!
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
- Let your chicken marinate overnight for the most intense Jerk flavor. Learn more about the benefit of marinating at Serious Eats.
- If using a grill, sear the chicken over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then finish over indirect heat for juicier results.
- Always check internal temperature—165°F (74°C) is the safe spot for perfectly cooked chicken.
Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe FAQ
- Can I make this jerk chicken less spicy?
- Yes! Simply use fewer Scotch bonnet peppers or substitute with a milder pepper like jalapeño.
- Can I use this marinade on other meats?
- Absolutely. This jerk marinade is delicious on pork, seafood, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- How do I know when my jerk chicken is done?
- A meat thermometer is your best friend—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine jerk seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
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2Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
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3Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
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4Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or on the grill. Cook for 35-40 minutes, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and skin is crispy.
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5Remove from oven or grill, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with lime wedges if desired before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
340cal
Protein:
30 gg
Fat:
21 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
6 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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