Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Fresh citrus, warm spices, and herbs are the main ingredients to make this tasty Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe. It’s quick and easy to make with just one baking sheet and simple prep. It’s quick and easy to make with just one baking sheet and simple prep.

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We have flavorful chicken recipes for dinner a few times a week, so I’m always looking for ways to change things up. This Jamaican Jerk Chicken delivers exactly what I want in a weeknight meal.

It’s bold, savory-sweet, packed with heat, and full of flavor with just a few ingredients you can easily mix at home.

The homemade spice and citrus marinade makes the chicken come out SO tender and glossy every time. And this dish roasts in the oven, which means totally hands-off cooking.

The smoky and spicy flavors are especially versatile, so you can pair jerk chicken with everything from coconut rice to fried plantains, fresh salad, and even roasted sweet potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strong spice and fresh citrus are blended into every bite, making dinner feel special.

Big flavor payoff: Deep spice and bright citrus are packed into the chicken.

Simple prep: Everything gets blended and poured with little effort.

Juicy results: Bone in chicken stays tender and full of moisture.

Great for gatherings: A large batch feeds everyone easily.

Flexible cooking: Oven and grill both work well here.

Leftover friendly: Flavor stays strong after reheating.

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Ingredients

For the Jerk Marinade and Chicken:

• 3 pounds bone in skin on chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1 orange juiced
• 1 lime juiced
• 1 small red onion coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 piece fresh ginger chopped
• 3 Scotch bonnet peppers stemmed and cut in half
• 4 green onions coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 and 1 half tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 half teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 limes sliced into wedges for serving

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Blend the Marinade

All marinade ingredients were added to a blender. The mixture was blended until thick and smooth. A dark fragrant paste should be formed with visible flecks of herbs and pepper.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Chicken pieces were patted dry and placed into a large bowl. Small cuts were made in the skin to help the marinade sink in deeper.

3. Marinate Thoroughly

The blended jerk marinade was poured over the chicken. Every piece was coated well using clean hands. The bowl was covered and placed in the fridge for several hours so flavor could fully develop.

4. Bring to Room Temperature

Before cooking, the chicken was taken out and allowed to sit briefly. This step helps the meat cook evenly and stay juicy.

5. Cook Until Done

Chicken was placed on a lined baking tray skin side up. It was cooked in a hot oven until the skin turned dark and slightly crisp and the meat cooked through.

6. Rest Before Serving

Once cooked, the chicken was rested for a few minutes. This short pause keeps juices inside and improves texture.

Tips and Variations

• Scotch bonnet heat can be reduced by using fewer peppers.
• Extra thyme can be added for stronger herbal notes.
• Grilling adds light smoky flavor if preferred.
• Marinating overnight brings deeper spice.
• Skin can be crisped under the broiler at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken pairs well with simple sides that cool the spice. Steamed rice works perfectly and soaks up juices nicely. Grilled vegetables add color and balance to the plate.

When serving guests, lime wedges are placed on the table for squeezing. Fresh citrus brightens each bite and keeps the dish feeling light and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this dish very spicy?

Heat can feel strong due to Scotch bonnet peppers. Fewer peppers will lower spice.

Can it be cooked ahead?

Yes. Flavor stays strong after reheating.

Does bone in chicken matter?

Bone in pieces stay juicier and more flavorful.

Can the grill be used?

Yes. Indirect heat works best for even cooking.

How long do leftovers last?

Cooked chicken keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Final Thoughts

Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken brings warmth, spice, and comfort together in one pan. The marinade builds bold flavor while the chicken stays tender and rich.

This dish always feels rewarding without being hard. Each bite carries spice, citrus, and slow cooked depth that makes dinner feel memorable and satisfying.