Our full recipe guide on how to make Jerk Chicken is the most popular dish in Jamaica.
Jerk chicken is a Jamaican dish known for its flavorful and spicy marinade. Traditionally, Jerk chicken is cooked on a grill or barbecue, but it can also be prepared in the oven or on the stovetop. Here’s how you can make authentic jerk chicken.
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How to Make Jerk Chicken
Jerk Chicken Recipe Ingredients
For the Jerk Marinade:
6-8 green onions
4 cloves garlic
1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust according to spice preference)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Juice of 2 limes
Salt
For the Chicken:
4-6 chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breast pieces, skin-on and bone-in
Additional vegetable oil for grilling or cooking
Equipment:
Blender or food processor
Large bowl or resealable plastic bag
Grill, barbecue, oven, or stovetop
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Step By Step How to Make Jerk Chicken
Step 1 – Prepare the Jerk Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped green onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, thyme, soy sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves, lime juice, and salt. Blend until you have a smooth paste.
Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. If using a bag, massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 3 – Cook the Jerk Chicken
Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and charred on the outside, about 20-25 minutes for thighs and drumsticks, or 15-20 minutes for breasts. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little vegetable oil to the pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Cook the chicken pieces in the hot pan, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and nicely charred on the outside, about 20-25 minutes for thighs and drumsticks, or 15-20 minutes for breasts.
Step 4 – Serve the Jerk Chicken
Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with additional chopped fresh thyme or sliced green onions if desired. Serve the jerk chicken hot with traditional sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, or coleslaw.
Tips To Make Jerk Chicken
Be cautious when handling Scotch bonnet peppers, as they are very spicy. Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling them, and avoid touching your eyes or sensitive areas. Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers used to control the heat level of the marinade.
How Many Calories Has A Jerk Chicken
One cooked chicken thigh is around 130-150 calories and the calorie content of the jerk marinade can vary based on the specific ingredients but it will add minimal calories.
A serving of jerk chicken made with one chicken thigh would be approximately 130-150 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.