Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe

This recipe is one of my faves to enjoy whenever I’m craving some juicy, smoky, spicy chicken thighs. The longer you marinate the chicken, the better.

Jerk chicken is super easy-to-make and SO flavorful. Let me show you how to make it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Jerk seasoning. This consists of brown sugar, ground allspice, salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Chopped onion
• Green onions
• Jalapeños. If you want more heat in this recipe, use habanero peppers (very hot) or Scotch bonnet chiles (hotter than habaneros yet sweet) instead of jalapeños.
• Garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce. Flavor enhancer and helps keep the chicken moist.
• Bone-in chicken breasts and/or thighs. I prefer thighs since they are meaty and super juicy.
• Lime wedges. Great to balance out all that heat!

Recommended For This Recipe

Food Processor

If you are making salsas or sauces or simply prepping ingredients, a food processor is a must have! It chops and blends so quickly, saving you so much time!

How To Make Jerk Chicken

• Make the jerk seasoning. In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, allspice, salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
• Make the jerk marinade. In a food processor, blend onion, green onions, jalapeños (depending on desired heat), garlic, spices, olive oil, and soy sauce. Transfer marinade to a baking dish with chicken. Cover and marinate for 1-2 hours in the fridge.
• Cook the chicken. You can either grill or bake the chicken, depending on what is accessible and available to you.
  • If you grill the chicken, do so over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until well browned and cooked through 35-40 minutes.
  • If you’d like to bake it, preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces skin-side up into the baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes until fully cooked and an internal temperature reads 165ºF. Broil for the last 2 minutes before removing from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

What makes jerk chicken jerk?

Jerk is a cooking style in Jamaican cuisine where you marinate the meat with a sweet and spicy marinade.

Can you make the jerk marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the jerk marinade (step 1+2 of the recipe), transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight lid, and refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze any unused jerk marinade for up to 3 months.

How long can you leave the chicken marinating?

You can marinate the chicken in the jerk marinade for up to 2 days in a bowl, covered in plastic wrap, in the fridge.

Is jerk chicken supposed to be sweet?

Yes, authentic jerk chicken is smoky, sweet, spicy and super moist and juicy!

What goes well with jerk chicken?

You can serve it with white rice, sweet plantains, mango salsa, black beans, and/or chipotle mashed sweet potatoes.