Description
This Jamaican Jerk Chicken is smoky, spicy, and bursting with authentic island flavor. Made with Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, and allspice, this traditional recipe brings the warmth of Jamaica right to your kitchen. Perfect for grilling or baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or 1 for milder heat)
- 3 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lime wedges and parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine Scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, garlic, ginger, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the grill: Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Grill for 30–40 minutes, turning occasionally, until skin is charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Oven method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–50 minutes, then broil for 3–5 minutes to achieve a charred finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with lime wedges and parsley. Serve hot with rice and peas, fried plantains, or mango salsa.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, grill jerk chicken over pimento wood or add a few soaked allspice berries to the coals. To tone down the heat, replace Scotch bonnet peppers with jalapeños or red chili flakes. Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled or Baked
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg