Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of Jamaican jerk chicken with this spicy, smoky, and tangy recipe. Perfect for grilling or baking, it’s packed with authentic Caribbean spices and customizable heat levels. Try it today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (or bone-in pieces)
- 2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 green onions
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp allspice (pimento)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, green onions, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, ginger, cloves, paprika, cumin, and coriander. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, aim for indirect heat and add wood chips for a smoky flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down first. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Reduce heat and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Mild Version: Use fewer Scotch bonnet peppers or substitute with milder chili peppers.
- Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken: Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 40-45 minutes, broiling for the last 5 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Boneless Chicken Option: Use chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker cooking time.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use the jerk marinade on tofu, portobello mushrooms, or cauliflower steaks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- marinate time: 2-24 hours
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Keywords: Jamaican jerk chicken, spicy grilled chicken, Caribbean recipes, jerk marinade, authentic jerk chicken