Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

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This Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe is bursting with true authentic jerk flavour and flare! Chicken is marinated overnight in a delicious blend of herbs, spices, and jerk seasoning creating the perfect brag-worthy dish! Recipe includes instructions to prepare on the grill, oven or air fryer and serve for lunch, dinner or anytime throughout the day!

If you’re looking for more recipes that use the true and authentic flavours from my homemade Jerk Marinade and seasoning, you’ll have to try my Honey Jerk Shrimp or Jerk Chicken Sandwich next! They’re recipes worth trying at least once then you’ll fall in love forever!

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

When you think Jamaican cuisine, one of the first things that most likely comes to mind is jerk chicken, and rightfully so! Jamaica is almost synonymous with all things jerk! If you’ve ever been on an all-inclusive vacation in Jamaica then you’ve probably visited the dedicated jerk hut on the beach. Or, if you’re lucky enough to leave the resort and visit one of the many iconic jerk huts throughout the island then you know jerk chicken is worth all the hype!

It’s one of my favourite ways to eat chicken; it’s aromatic, flavourful, and has a beautiful heat from the scotch bonnet pepper. It’s also super simple to prepare yet yield big bold island flavour. Literally, it’s just something you have to try!

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Quick and Easy – this is perfect for a busy weeknight. You can marinate earlier in the day or the night before and then grill or bake. It’s that simple!
• Perfect for Meal Prep – make enough to get you through the week and you can serve it along with a variety of sides.
• Customizable – Jerk chicken can be served dry or saucy, spicy or mild, outside on the grill or indoors in the oven!
• Great for Leftovers – not only is this recipe great the day of, but it gets even better the next day. Plus, it reheats very well!
• Extra Flavourful – this chicken is not only extra flavourful from marinating overnight, but also extra juicy even down to the very last bite!

What is Jamaican Jerk?

Jerk refers to a style of cooking. Jamaican jerk is a hot and spicy dry-rubbed or wet marinated blend of herbs and spices used on all types of meats, seafood, vegetables and even pasta. It has a spicy, woodsy, smoky flavour and traditionally jerked foods are cooked over a small open coal or wood fire.

What is Jamaican Jerk Chicken?

Jamaican jerk chicken is a very popular and flavourful, spicy, smoky grilled chicken. It’s typically prepared as a whole chicken, or bone-in chicken that’s been marinated overnight and then grilled or baked in the oven.

Jamaican Jerk History

The origins of Jerk Chicken are credited to the native people of the Caribbean, the Taíno people, for their jerk method of cooking (using the aromatic pimento wood to impart smoky flavour). As well as the Maroons (descendants of Africans who formed settlements away from slavery in the Western world) jerked wild caught boars (pigs) in Portland, Jamaica while on the run from the British. They would dig pits with charcoal, adding the meat, then burying them to prevent the smoke from revealing their locations to those who sought their capture.

It’s been a part of Jamaican culinary traditions for centuries, and has now evolved in various unique dishes.

An interesting and fun fact is that the name “jerk”, is said to come from charqui or ch’arki, a Spanish term for dried meat, or dried strips of meat similar to what we know now as “jerky”.

What does Jamaican Jerk Chicken Taste Like?

Authentic jerk chicken flavours are bold and pungent with a kick of spice from the scotch bonnet peppers. It’s a delicious blend of warm, smoky and spicy flavours with sweet undertones.

What is the Main Ingredient in Jerk?

The main ingredients that make jerk have its authentic taste and flavour are the warm spice blend of allspice, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. As well as, the heat from scotch bonnet peppers.

How is Jerk Chicken Traditionally Cooked?

Traditionally, charcoal is placed in a pit under large heavy grill grates which are then topped with pimento wood (some use pimento leaves). Next, the seasoned jerk chicken is placed directly on top of the pimento wood, then covered with large sheets of zinc metal.

Nowadays, it is common to see people using large steel drums known as a “jerk pan” with charcoal or pimento wood instead of pits. Alternatively, many now prepared jerk chicken on a regular household barbecue (gas, wood or charcoal), air fryer or in the oven.

Should Chicken be Washed Before Cooking?

This is one of the most debatable topics. Some believe rinsing or washing raw chicken under running water causes the raw chicken juices and water to splash onto other surfaces – increasing the chances of harmful bacteria growth.

How I was raised (Jamaican/Caribbean), we always wash or rinse our meat, this is not up for debate. Whether it is chicken/poultry, beef, pork, or seafood. It is definitely up to personal preference, however I prefer to at least rinse off my chicken with a little vinegar or lemon/lime.

Here are some tips to ensure safety while handling raw chicken:

• Clear the area in which you are handling the raw chicken first. Not cutlery, dishes, drying racks, kitchen towels etc.
• Use low pressure when rinsing/washing the chicken under running water.
• Stay away from porous surfaces such as wooden cutting boards.
• Once done thoroughly clean and wipe down surfaces, tools and hands with antibacterial soap and disinfectant.
• Wash hands often, especially if reaching for bottles of seasonings and other kitchen tools like scissors, knives etc.

How to Prep Chicken for Cooking

Here are some general tips to keep in mind when prepping chicken:

• If using chicken from frozen, place chicken in fridge overnight before cleaning to fully thaw.
• If using a whole chicken, cut and toss any wire or twine used to hold the chicken together (usually around the legs) and remove the giblets, internal organs usually packaged inside.
• Trim excess fat and skin around the neck and tail of the chicken (if whole) with a knife or kitchen scissors as well as remove any feathers that may have been missed.
• Rinse/wash chicken using vinegar or lemon/lime, then pat dry and set aside.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – I prefer using chicken pieces, such as chicken legs or thighs bone-in and skin-on. However, you can jerk a whole chicken or your favourite cut of the chicken as well.
• Olive Oil – used to help the seasoning stick to the chicken, as well as to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.
• Jerk Marinade – use my homemade marinade and make it as hot or mild as you prefer. Alternatively, you can use store-bought; Grace or Walkerswood brand recommended, they also come in hot and mild heat levels.
• Caribbean Green Seasoning – this is the perfect marinade or flavour enhancer for a variety of foods including this jerk chicken. If not using, see below for additional ingredients.
• Browning – this is used to add flavour as well as the deep brown colour to the jerk chicken.
• All-Purpose Seasoning – this delicious blend of herbs and spices add a burst of flavour and includes all the necessary seasonings such as garlic and onion powder, paprika/smoked paprika, thyme, allspice etc.
• Seasoned Salt – can be used interchangeably with all-purpose seasoning depending on the blend, however has a higher amount of salt. Alternatively you can simply use salt.

Additional Ingredients if Not Using Green Seasoning

• Onion – adds sweet onion flavour, finely chopped.
• Garlic – adds the pungent garlicky goodness we all love! Use minced or finely chopped.
• Escallion – also known as scallions, green onions, or spring onions, finely chopped. Use both the white and green parts.
• Fresh Thyme – this is a key herb in Jamaican cooking, and definitely in jerk chicken. It adds strong herbal flavour that can’t be missed!
• Brown Sugar – for a touch of sweetness, as well as to balance the heat and other flavours.
• Pimento Seeds (Berries) – also referred to as allspice berries, and is another key ingredient. You can use crushed whole pimento berries or use store-bought ground allspice.

Note – if not using green seasoning it is best to toss all these ingredients in a food processor or blender until puréed and then add to the chicken.

Honey Jerk Sauce (optional)

• Reserved Marinade – use the reserved marinade to make a sauce by cooking it on the stovetop in a saucepan.
• Chicken Stock – this adds flavourful liquid to sauce.
• Butter – adds flavour and richness to the sauce.
• Honey – for a touch of sweetness and to balance the heat of the jerk seasoning.
• Hoisin Sauce – I personally like to add this to help thicken the sauce and give it body as well as flavour. You can also use soy sauce.

Note – you can allow the sauce to simmer until reduced to desired thickness, or you can add in a cornstarch slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tsp cold water.

What You Need to Make this Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

• Large Mixing Bowl – to season and marinate the chicken in.
• Grill – if using the grilling method, to cook chicken.
• Baking Sheet fitted with or without a Wire Rack– if using the oven method, use this to bake the chicken on and ensure it is lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• Instant Read Thermometer: this is the best way to determine chicken doneness (whether or not it is throughly cooked).

How to Make Jamaican Jerk Chicken

1. Prep Chicken (Clean, Rinse and Season) – trim any excess fat, rinse chicken and thoroughly pat dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water or liquid and place in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil and season with jerk marinade, green seasoning (or the additional ingredients listed), browning, all purpose seasoning and seasoned salt. Mix to coat, and let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.

Grilling Instructions

1. 30 minutes before grilling, remove chicken from the fridge. Heat bbq grill to medium-high and spray bbq grates with cooking oil. Place chicken on the grill turning occasionally, until chicken is near done.
2. Move chicken to a cooler temperature area of the grill and brush with prepared honey jerk sauce or bbq sauce if preferred (do this repeatedly until done). Continue to grill until chicken is cooked through and nicely charred in some areas. Serve hot and enjoy!

Oven (Baked) Instructions

1. 30 minutes before baking, remove chicken from the fridge. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place rack on the lower middle position. Spray wire oven rack with cooking oil (i.e Pam cooking spray) or line an oven sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange chicken on large parchment-lined baking sheet (or rack if using), ensuring space between each piece. Bake, flipping at the halfway point, for 40 minutes or until cooked through and nicely browned. When chicken near done, turn on the broiler function and roast chicken for 2-5 minutes or until nicely charred in come areas. Serve hot and enjoy!

Air Fryer Instructions

1. 30 minutes before air frying, remove chicken from the fridge. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Arrange chicken in air fryer basket, ensuring space between each piece and avoiding overcrowding. Air-fry, flipping at the halfway point, for 25 to 35 minutes or until cooked through and nicely browned. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Replace Scotch Bonnet with Habanero Peppers – if you don’t have scotch bonnet peppers, you can use habaneros instead. They have similar spiciness levels but scotch bonnets are slightly sweeter. If you love the flavour of scotch bonnets but want to tone down the heat, remove the seeds and veins of the pepper.
• Honey Jerk Sauce – although jerk marinade has a slightly sweet undertone, honey jerk sauce has a bolder sweetness that compliments the dish well. If that’s the taste you’re going for, add butter, honey, chicken stock, and hoisin sauce to your marinade and cook on the stovetop.
• Jerk Chicken Wings – I prefer dark meat for jerk chicken because it has more fat and is therefore juicier. But you can definitely make jerk wings on the grill or in the oven, using these same steps and seasonings.
• Jerk Seasoning – if you’re looking for a dry rub version of the jerk marinade try my jerk seasoning!

See My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions

Serving Suggestions and Tips

This Caribbean jerk chicken recipe is a great foundation for a hearty meal. Here are some side dish options to considering pairing it with:

• Rice – Jamaican jerk chicken and rice are a delicious combination. Try it with regular white rice, coconut rice, Jamaican Pigeon “Gungo” Peas and Rice, Jamaican Rice and Peas, or Vegan Jamaican Bulgur Wheat & Peas.
• Veggies – add some nutrients to your dinner by pairing jerk chicken with Jamaican Steamed Cabbage, Callaloo, or use Jamaican Pickled Vegetables (Escovitch Sauce) as the perfect condiment.
• Dumpling – homemade dumplings are a tasty addition. Try my Jamaican Festival or Fried Dumpling.
• Plantains – sweet plantains balance the heat of jerk chicken and make a delicious combination!
• Drinks – round out this classic Caribbean meal with a tropical cocktail like Jamaican Sorrel Cocktail, Tropical Rum Punch, or Mango Scotch Bonnet Daiquiri.

Recipe Notes and Tips for Success

• Jerk Marinade – the jerk marinade sometimes called jerk sauce, does the majority of the heavy lifting for this recipe! Make sure you use my homemade version, or a good quality store-bought one!

The Grace Jerk Seasoning (mild) as well as Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning (hot and spicy) are the two brands I stand by. They come in both mild and hot heat levels, so choose depending on preference.

• Slit Chicken and Marinate – create small slits in your chicken and ensure the marinade gets inside, then cover and marinate for a few hours or overnight.
• Don’t Waste the Marinade – add the reserved marinade to a small saucepan along with some add butter, honey, chicken stock, and hoisin sauce. Thicken with cornstarch and water (cornstarch slurry) or simmer until reduced! Delicious!
• Season Generously – a key component to flavourful chicken, is the seasoning. Apply the dry rub and marinade liberally and allow to soak into the meat of the chicken.
• Marinate – it’s most beneficial to allow your chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours to overnight, covered, if time permits. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the skin and get into the meat. Although it is not required for this recipe, it is recommended.
• Use the Broil Function – you can choose to broil your chicken for the last few minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and skin to crisp up as well as allow the chicken to get to that golden bright colour we all love to see!

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

This Jamaican jerk chicken recipe can definitely be made ahead of time. It’s actually encouraged! The jerk marinade needs time to set into the chicken for at least two hours but preferably, overnight. This shortens the time it takes to prepare the chicken on the day you plan to serve it.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat jerk chicken is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then wrap the chicken in foil with a tablespoon of water or chicken stock. Let it warm for 10-15 minutes, unwrapping the foil for the last two minutes. This method ensures that the meat retains moisture without the skin becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Interested in more Jamaican Recipes? Check These Out!

• Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
• Jamaican Escovitch Fish
• Jamaican Curry Goat
• Brown Stew Fish
• Jamaican Red Peas Soup
• Jamaican Chicken Soup
• Jamaican Curry Shrimp (Seafood)
• Jamaican Rasta Pasta

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