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Authentic Caribbean Jerk Chicken

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including marinate)
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Caribbean / Jamaican
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Bold, smoky-grilled chicken marinated in traditional Caribbean jerk spices—fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, earthy allspice, ginger, and scallions—for an authentic taste of the islands.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks, about 2–2.5 lb)
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded (reduce for less heat)
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • Zest & juice of 1 lime
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground allspice (pimento)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil (for grilling)

Instructions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine scallions, Scotch bonnets, garlic, ginger, lime zest & juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; blend to a smooth paste.
  2. Place chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag; pour marinade over, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate at least 4 hours or up to overnight in fridge.
  3. About 30 minutes before cooking, remove chicken from fridge to reach room temperature.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush grates lightly with oil.
  5. Grill chicken skin-side down 6–8 minutes until charred. Flip and grill 6–8 more minutes, until internal temperature reads 165 °F (74 °C).
  6. Remove chicken from heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve with lime wedges, rice and peas, grilled pineapple, or fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
  • Adjust heat by varying Scotch bonnet count.
  • An indoor grill pan works well if outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
  • Leftover chicken is great in wraps, tacos, or salads.
  • Double the marinade to use as dipping sauce or to marinate veggies.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken piece
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg