The first time I made this Jerk Chicken Recipe, the incredible aroma of scotch bonnet peppers and warm spices filled my entire house for hours. My neighbor actually knocked on the door asking what smelled so amazing! This authentic Jamaican dish brings those bold, smoky flavors right to your dinner table with a marinade that's been passed down through generations.
My husband says it's better than any jerk chicken he's had at Caribbean restaurants, and honestly, once you taste that perfect balance of heat and sweetness, you'll never want to order takeout again.
Why You'll Love This Jerk Chicken Recipe
This Jerk Chicken Recipe delivers authentic Caribbean flavors with a marinade that penetrates deep into the meat, creating incredibly juicy and flavorful results. The blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and aromatic herbs creates that signature jerk taste that's both fiery and complex.
My kids love the slightly sweet notes while adults appreciate the building heat that doesn't overwhelm. It's perfect for grilling season but works beautifully in the oven year-round. Plus, most of the work happens during marinating, so dinner practically cooks itself.
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What You'll Need
This recipe uses traditional Caribbean ingredients that create those authentic flavors you're craving, though you can find substitutes at most grocery stores.
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and chopped (or 2 habaneros)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Fresh ginger adds extra warmth, and some people love adding a splash of dark rum to the marinade for deeper flavor.
This jerk chicken recipe is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Jerk Chicken
Create the Jerk Marinade
Blend scotch bonnet peppers, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, oil, green onions, garlic, and all spices in a food processor until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken
Score chicken pieces with shallow cuts and place in a large bowl. Pour marinade over chicken, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare for Cooking
Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Reserve some marinade for basting if grilling.
Grill or Bake
For grilling: Cook over medium heat 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally. For oven: Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What sides go with jerk chicken? Traditional rice and peas is the classic pairing, but coconut rice, plantains, or simple steamed vegetables balance the spicy flavors beautifully.
Rest and Serve
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Aliana's Top Tip
Don't skip the scoring step when preparing your chicken - those shallow cuts allow the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat.
My grandmother taught me this technique, saying "the spices need a pathway to the soul of the chicken."
Also, wear gloves when handling scotch bonnets! I learned this the hard way after touching my eyes once - trust me, you don't want that experience.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Can't find scotch bonnet peppers? Habaneros work perfectly, or use jalapeños for less heat. Apple cider vinegar can replace lime juice in a pinch. For a milder version, remove all pepper seeds and use just half the amount. My sister makes a pineapple version by adding crushed pineapple to the marinade for extra sweetness.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover jerk chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight! Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or on the grill for a few minutes to crisp up the skin again.
What to Serve With Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jerk chicken with rice is the traditional pairing - try coconut rice or the classic Jamaican rice and peas. Sweet plantains balance the heat perfectly, while a simple cucumber salad provides cooling contrast. Cold beer or tropical fruit drinks help tame the spice for those who need it.
FAQs About Jerk Chicken Recipe
What's the best rice for jerk chicken?
Coconut rice or traditional Jamaican rice and peas complement the spicy flavors perfectly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Minimum 4 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor penetration and tenderness.
Can I make jerk chicken without a grill?
Absolutely! Oven-baked jerk chicken is delicious and easier for year-round cooking.
How spicy is authentic jerk chicken?
Traditional jerk has significant heat, but you can control spiciness by adjusting pepper amounts and removing seeds.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more bold Caribbean flavors, these island-inspired dishes are always crowd-pleasers and transport you straight to the tropics:
Caribbean Curry Chicken - Aromatic, creamy, and absolutely comforting Coconut Rice and Beans - The perfect side for any spicy dish Grilled Pineapple with Lime - Sweet finish to balance the heat
The chicken Dinner side dishes category has so many incredible options that pair beautifully with bold flavors.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your jerk chicken masterpiece!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Jerk Chicken Recipe:
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