Jerk chicken skewers

No barbecue is complete without some jerk chicken skewers! Tenderize chicken thighs or chicken breasts using my homemade Jamaican jerk marinade, alternatively you could use Jerk Seasoning. This infuses the chicken with bold and aromatic spices with a unique, spicy profile. Thread them on skewers and cook them to juicy, spiced perfection!

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Great Anytime: Whether it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you can enjoy jerk chicken kabobs whenever the craving strikes because this recipe has three different cooking methods!
Flavourful: If you’re looking for ways to spice up some chicken, try this recipe because marinated jerk chicken is sweet, spicy and smoky.
Customizable: This recipe is super simple but I have some delicious ways to kick it up a notch with various add-ons and ingredient swaps.

What is Jerk Chicken?

Jerk chicken is a staple dish in Jamaican cuisine. Prepare jerk season by using either jerk seasoning or jerk marinade. The main ingredients in jerk are allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet.

Traditional jerk references meat cooked over an open fire but this jerk chicken kebab recipe works on the stovetop, in the oven or on the grill.

What are Skewers?

Skewers are long, thin rods used to hold and cook food. They are usually metal or wooden and are used for cooking food over an open flame, on a grill, or even in an oven.

Skewers can be used for a variety of foods, including meat, vegetables, and seafood. Skewering food is a convenient way to prepare food because it makes it easy to turn the food for even cooking.

What’s the Difference Between Skewers and Kabobs?

The terms “skewers” and “kabobs” are often used interchangeably but they reference different things. Essentially, a kabob (or kebab) is a dish that is prepared using skewers. Kabobs are bite-sized pieces of meat, vegetables, seafood, or other ingredients that are threaded onto skewers and grilled or roasted.

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

Wooden or metal skewers: these are sticks used for the jerk chicken kabobs.
Air-Fryer oven, Outdoor grill or grill pan: use whichever equipment is most convenient for you.
Food processor or blender: needed to combine the ingredients for the jerk marinade.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Chicken Thighs or chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces.

Jerk Marinade

Onion: Chopped in quarters, if needed you can use red onion.
Escallion: This adds a mild onion flavor to the marinade.
Thyme: This contributes a warm, earthy flavor to the marinade.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory taste.
Scotch bonnet pepper: These provide heat and spice to the marinade. Use more or less, based on your desired level of spiciness. Alternatively, use habanero peppers or any hot pepper you prefer.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor and aroma.
Pimento seeds: When crushed or ground, they release a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery fragrance. The taste of pimento seeds is warm, with a hint of sweetness and a subtle spiciness.
Spices: Use smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves.
Soy sauce: This sauce adds a mouthwatering umami flavour.
Homemade Browning Sauce: This savoury sauce adds a deep brown hue to jerk chicken.
Honey & brown sugar: The sweetness balances the spicy notes.
Lime juice: Citrus juice adds a tangy, refreshing flavor and helps tenderize the meat as well.
Salt and black pepper: used to enhance flavour by seasoning the meat and creating a well-balanced, savoury taste.
Olive oil: Oil helps distribute the flavors and adhere the marinade to the meat. It also adds richness.
Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

How to Make Jerk Chicken Skewers

Jerk Marinade

Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped, pureed, or desired texture is reached.
In a medium mixing bowl, add chicken pieces and jerk marinade. Mix until well coated, and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. Then thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.

Air-Fryer Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Then place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air-fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then remove, garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Finally, enjoy.

boneless skinless chicken thighs chopped in bowl.

chicken pieces marinating in bowl with jerk marinade.

Jerk Chicken Skewers in Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then remove, garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy.

Grilled Jerk Chicken Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or use a grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through with grill marks. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then remove, garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy.

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

Spice: You can use habanero peppers instead of scotch bonnet peppers. Alternatively, use any hot pepper you prefer.
Skewer Additions: Add fresh pineapple, red onion or red bell peppers to the jerk chicken skewers.
Citrus: Don’t have limes? You can use oranges or lemons in the marinade if necessary. Also, try adding a splash of lime juice to the skewers once done for a citrusy boost.
Sweetener: You can use agave or maple syrup as a substitute for honey.

What to Serve with Jerk Chicken Skewers

Rice – Keep it simple with a chicken and rice meal. Pair the skewers with Jamaican Gungo Peas and Rice or Jamaican Rice and Peas.
Plantains – Need a starch? Serve them with Fried Plantains Recipe.
Veggies – Enjoy a low carb meal and eat the chicken with Steamed Cabbage.
Sauces and Dips – Play up those spicy, sweet flavours with a generous helping of Summer Mango Pineapple Salsa.

Recipe Notes and Tips for Success

Do not skip the marinade. Give it time to penetrate the meat, so it can add flavour and tenderize the meat.
Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces for skewering.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
No matter how you prepare the skewers, leave a little space between each piece. Doing so results in even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

Yes. The chicken can marinate for up to 8 hours. Marinate the chicken 1 day in advance for easy prep the day of.

Storage Instructions

Remove the jerk chicken from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes jerk chicken different?

Jerk chicken is a standout chicken recipe because it’s made with spices native to Jamaica, like scotch bonnet pepper and pimento. Nothing else tastes quite like it.

What gives jerk chicken its taste?

Jerk marinade is essential to achieve the flavour you’d expect from jerk chicken. The main flavour components of jerk marinade are thyme, scotch bonnet pepper and ginger.

How long do you soak chicken skewers?

You don’t soak the chicken skewers. You soak the skewers in water if they are wooden. This prevents them from burning or catching fire once they are on the grill.

Interested in more Jamaican Recipes? Check These Out!

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Jerk Chicken Skewers

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