Close-up shot of delicious jerk chicken on a grill

Jerk chicken

tempting jerk chicken recipe

By Maya Rodriguez

Published: 22 Feb 2025

This tempting jerk chicken recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and aromatic spices. It's the kind of dish that transports you straight to the heart of Jamaica with every bite. Get ready for an explosion of spicy, sweet, and savory sensations that will leave you craving more! I first discovered this recipe while on vacation with my family in Jamaica and it quickly became a favourite.
A family enjoying jerk chicken on a beach in Jamaica
This recipe isn't just about throwing some ingredients together; it's about creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. From the careful selection of spices to the precise grilling technique, every step is designed to elevate this dish to new heights. Remember those family vacations I mentioned? They weren't always perfect, but one shared moment around this chicken remains so vivid.
Close-up of a bowl of jerk seasoning with fresh spices
Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I've added some tips along the way to help you every step of the way. And hey, even if something goes wrong along the way, that's alright ā€“ cooking is about the joy of the experience more than the perfection of the dish.
A person grilling jerk chicken

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing spoons
  • Grill or grill pan

Tempting-Jerk-Chicken-Recipe

This recipe creates unbelievably flavorful jerk chicken, perfect for a summer barbecue or any occasion when you crave bold island tastes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe!

ā³ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time:

šŸ½ Ingredients

šŸ“– Instructions

  1. First things first, let's prep those gorgeous chicken pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels ā€“ this is crucial for getting a nice, crispy skin. Seriously, don't skip this step. I learned that the hard way once...it was a disaster!
  2. Next up, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade in that large bowl. I like to start with the dry spices, then add in the wet ingredients, whisking constantly. Aim for a smooth, somewhat thick paste. Mmm, smells amazing already!
  3. Now for the fun part ā€“ marinating the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a large, sealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is generously coated. Give it a good massage, get your hands in there ā€“ it's okay, no oneā€™s judging. And seal it tight, my friend!
  4. Now for the patience game. Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor will be. But trust me, even 4 hours makes a world of difference!
  5. Once the marinating is done, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it's nice and hot before placing the chicken on. I usually like to clean my grill grates beforehand, you know, just to be on the safe side.
  6. Carefully place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill, making sure not to overcrowd the grill. You might have to do this in batches depending on the size of your grill. Give it some space to breathe, okay?
  7. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Ā°F (74Ā°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Don't rush this; weā€™re aiming for juicy and delicious!
  8. While the chicken is grilling, baste it occasionally with the remaining marinade ā€“ this adds another layer of flavor and keeps it nice and moist. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference!
  9. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
  10. Serve your delicious jerk chicken with your favourite sides ā€“ rice and peas, coleslaw, or even some grilled vegetables. I like to squeeze a bit of lime over mine before digging in. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

šŸ“ Notes

  • Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper to control the spiciness.
  • If you don't have allspice berries, use 1 teaspoon of allspice.
  • For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
  • Allow extra time to marinate for maximum flavor

šŸŽ Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 30g

Fat: 20g

Carbohydrates: 10g

Fiber: 2g

Calcium: 20 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

ā€œThe joy of cooking comes from sharing it with others.ā€

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