Jerk Chicken

Jerk Chicken

Spicy Jamaican grilled chicken with authentic island flavors

Yield SERVES 6-8
Prep Time
Cook Time
Total Time
Difficulty MEDIUM

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade
    In a food processor, combine scallions, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, soy sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, and salt. Blend until smooth to create a thick paste.
  2. Marinate the chicken
    Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken, especially under the skin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Prepare for cooking
    Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F/175°C) or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Grill the chicken
    For grilling: Oil the grill grates. Place chicken skin-side down and grill for 8-10 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and continue cooking for another 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using an oven, place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes.
  5. Rest and serve
    Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve hot with traditional sides like rice and peas, festival (Jamaican fried dough), or grilled vegetables.

Nutritional Information

385
Calories
per serving
28
Protein
g per serving
9
Carbohydrates
g per serving
26
Total Fat
g per serving
7
Saturated Fat
g per serving
2
Fiber
g per serving
6
Sugar
g per serving
685
Sodium
mg per serving
24
Vitamin C
% of daily value
12
Iron
% of daily value

Jerk Chicken is Also Known As

Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Spicy Jerk Chicken, Caribbean Jerk Chicken or Yard Style Jerk Chicken