Jerk Chicken
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Spice up your next BBQ with this lip-smacking Jerk Chicken! With its irresistible blend of Caribbean spices, smoky char marks, and hint of sweetness, this dish delivers an explosion of flavors that captures the essence of Jamaican cuisine. So, get ready to turn up the heat and impress your guests with this incredible dish!
What Is Jerk Chicken
If you enjoy spicy food, get ready to ignite your taste buds! Known for its bold and spicy flavors, jerk chicken is a famous Caribbean dish with a rich history that traces back to Jamaica. The name “jerk” comes from the traditional cooking method known as “jerking,” where meat is marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and hot peppers such as scotch bonnets or habaneros before slow-cooking it over an open fire. This process makes the meat incredibly tender and infuses it with layers of hot, spicy goodness.
But today, modern adaptations of the recipe have made it possible to recreate the delicious taste of jerk chicken with minimal effort and in a fraction of the time. As a result, you’ll find variations of the dish served all over the world from street-side vendors and beachside shacks in Jamaica to upscale restaurants in New York. Jerk chicken has become a cherished symbol of the Caribbean’s vibrant zest for life and love of spicy food!
Why You’ll Love This Jerk Chicken
- Easy Recipe! Don’t let the tasty bold and spicy flavors fool you! This recipe is incredibly easy to make! With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish in less than an hour that tastes like it took hours to make.
- Authentic Jamaican Flavor! The combination of the spicy and aromatic jerk seasoning and juicy char-grilled chicken thighs is absolutely delicious. Each bite is a blend of bold and vibrant smoky flavors that perfectly captures the essence of the Caribbean.
- Crowd Pleaser! You’ll be the talk of the town with this incredible jerk chicken recipe! Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, a backyard BBQ, or a neighborhood potluck, this grilled chicken dish is sure to steal the show and leave everyone craving more.
- Chicken Thighs – Juicy and tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs serve as the ideal canvas for the flavorful jerk marinade. You can substitute them with chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Jerk Seasoning – This is the heart and soul of the dish! You can use a store-bought spice mix or make your own jerk seasoning with a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a handful of other spices.
- Vegetable Oil – Helps to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Honey – Adds just a touch of sweetness to the marinade to balance out the heat.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Enhances the tanginess of the marinade and helps to tenderize the chicken.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice infuses the chicken with a zesty and refreshing kick. Pineapple juice is another good option.
The great thing about this Jamaican jerk chicken recipe is that it delivers incredible flavor with just a handful of basic ingredients and a few minutes of prep time! Whether you’re an experienced cook or a total novice, it’s a dish that guarantees delicious results.
Before you begin the recipe, you need to oil the grates of your grill and then preheat it to medium-high heat. The grill needs to be nice and hot to get a good sear on the chicken and lock in all the juices.
Once your grill is fired up, you can start infusing your chicken thighs with flavor! First, mix the jerk seasoning, vegetable oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl. Next, put the thighs in a large ziplock bag and pour the jerk marinade over them. Then seal the bag and toss the thighs around in the bag to coat them in the marinade.
Now, put the chicken in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Keep in mind, the longer the thighs marinate the tastier the jerk chicken will be.
Finally, it’s time to grill up some flavorful chicken! Place the thighs on the hot preheated grill and cook them on each side for about 8 to 10 minutes. When the chicken is done the internal temperature of the thighs should be 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Now, use tongs remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then serve the thighs with a side of cilantro lime rice, beans, and mango salsa if you like!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of jerk chicken?
The main flavor of jerk chicken is a bold and complex blend of aromatic spices, including thyme, allspice berries, garlic, ginger, and hot scotch bonnet peppers. This combination creates a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet taste that defines the flavor profile.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor, boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts work too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Definitely! Chicken is the classic choice, but this flavorful marinade works wonders with other meats like beef, pork, seafood, or even tofu.
Can I bake the chicken thighs?
Yes! You can put the marinated thighs in a baking dish and bake them at 425°F (218°C) for 35 minutes or until they reach 165°F (74°C). Then remove them from the oven, cover them with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Marinate longer for maximum flavor. The chicken needs to marinate for at least 30 minutes. But overnight is best and will produce more flavorful results.
- Only flip the chicken once. While grilling, resist the temptation to repeatedly flip the chicken. Instead, let each side cook thoroughly to lock in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer. To guarantee that your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches the safe zone of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest. Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute and keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Use wood chips. If you’re using a charcoal grill, throw some soaked wood chips onto the coals. This adds a little smoke flavor to the chicken and enhances the overall taste.
Storage
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, put the jerk chicken in the microwave for a few minutes on medium power or in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes. However, if the chicken thighs are frozen, you’ll need to let them completely thaw out overnight in the fridge prior to reheating.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes To Try
- The Best Chicken Salad
- Oyster Sauce Chicken
- Bourbon Chicken
- Chili Garlic Chicken
- Marinated Chicken Spiedies
- Grilled Chicken Kebabs
- Crispy Chicken Cutlets
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Jerk Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lime (juiced)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the jerk seasoning, vegetable oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt and pepper to make a marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and shake it to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marination Time: The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more intense the flavors will be. Overnight is ideal but aim for at least 2 hours if you’re short on time.
- Grilling Tips: For juicy chicken, avoid overcooking. Using a meat thermometer helps – aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with traditional Caribbean sides like rice and peas, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Wow! Best chicken thighs I have ever cooked! Wonderful recipe. I also made once again but this time I cooked it in the air fryer! Never had such juicy thighs and such a delicious marinade!
Hi there! I’m over the moon to hear that this Jerk Chicken recipe has been such a hit for you! Your kind words made my day. It’s great to hear that it turned out wonderfully in the air fryer too – that’s a fantastic tip for others who might want to try this recipe that way. Thanks so much for your positive feedback and keep enjoying those juicy chicken thighs! 🍗🎉
Why would you light the grill…and then marinade??
Well if you only marinade for 30 minutes, just gives the grill enough time to get nice and hot, but you don’t have to, you can certainly do it after.