Jerk Chicken – If you’ve ever visited Jamaica or savored a bite of jerk chicken, you know it’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The fiery, aromatic spices paired with juicy and tender chicken.
What is Jerk Chicken?
Jerk chicken is a beloved Jamaican dish that involves marinating chicken in a spicy, smoky, and tangy jerk seasoning, then grilling it to perfection. The term “jerk” refers to the cooking method, in which meat is either dry-rubbed or marinated with a jerk spice mix and then cooked over a fire, traditionally using pimento wood (from the allspice tree). This technique originated from the indigenous Taino people and was later adapted by runaway African slaves (Maroons) in Jamaica.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Jerk Chicken
- Scotch bonnet peppers are essential for authentic jerk chicken, but they pack a punch! If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer peppers or substitute with habaneros, which are slightly less spicy.
- Don’t skip the marinating time: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight gives the flavors time to meld and penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra moisture and flavor. The skin crisps up beautifully, while the bones keep the chicken juicy during grilling.
- Pimento wood or chips can add an authentic smoky flavor. If you can’t find them, hickory or oak wood chips are a good alternative.
Jerk Chicken Variations
While traditional jerk chicken is hard to beat, here are some exciting variations to try:
- Jerk Chicken Wings: Perfect for a party, jerk chicken wings are a great appetizer or snack. Simply follow the recipe above but use chicken wings instead of thighs or drumsticks. Grill them for 8-10 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.
- Oven-Baked Jerk: Don’t have a grill? No problem! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and roast for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Jerk Chicken Tacos: Shred the grilled jerk chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with mango salsa and lime crema for a Caribbean twist on tacos.
How to Serve Jerk Chicken
Traditionally, jerk chicken is served with rice and peas (Jamaican-style rice cooked with coconut milk and kidney beans), but you can also pair it with:
- Fried plantains
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh mango salsa
For a refreshing drink to complement the heat, try serving jerk chicken with a cold Red Stripe beer or a tropical rum punch.
How to Store Leftover Jerk Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigerate: Store the jerk chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Freeze: Jerk chicken also freezes well. Wrap individual pieces in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven as directed above.
Recipe FAQs
What is the best cut of chicken to use for jerk chicken?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are the best choice for jerk chicken. They stay juicy on the grill and absorb the marinade beautifully. However, you can use chicken breasts or wings if you prefer.
Can I make jerk chicken without a grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the jerk chicken in the oven at 400°F for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How spicy is jerk chicken?
Jerk chicken is known for its spiciness, thanks to the Scotch bonnet peppers. You can adjust the heat level by using fewer peppers or removing the seeds. For a milder option, try using jalapeños or habaneros instead.
Can I make jerk chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Jerk chicken tastes even better when marinated overnight, so feel free to prepare it the day before and grill it when you’re ready to serve.
Jerk Chicken (Jamaican)
Jerk Chicken - If you've ever visited Jamaica or savored a bite of jerk chicken, you know it's more than just a meal—it's an experience. The fiery, aromatic spices paired with juicy and tender chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 (3 1/2 to 4-pound) chickens, quartered
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 Scotch bonnet chiles, chopped
- 3 medium scallions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries, coarsely ground
- 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a food processor, combine onion, scallions, Scotch bonnet chiles, garlic, five-spice powder, allspice, black pepper, thyme, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until it forms a coarse paste.
- Slowly add the soy sauce and vegetable oil while the machine is running, making a smooth, flavorful jerk marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade over the quartered chickens in a large dish, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow those bold flavors to soak in.
- Grill time: Before grilling, let the chicken come to room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium-hot.
- Grill the chicken for 35-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. For an extra smoky taste, cover the grill while cooking.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled jerk chicken to a platter and enjoy hot! Perfect with rice and peas or grilled veggies.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 153Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 2073mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 4gSugar 4gProtein 4g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Making authentic jerk chicken at home is easier than you might think, and the result is a juicy, flavorful dish that will transport you straight to the Caribbean. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ, looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, or exploring Jamaican cuisine for the first time, this jerk chicken recipe will not disappoint.
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