Go Back

Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Spice rubbed bone in chicken cooked until juicy and packed with bold Caribbean flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 5 People
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Jamaican

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

Method
 

  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.