Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken

Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken is a deliciously bold and vibrant dish that combines the smoky heat of traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. Instead of grilling, this version is baked in the oven, making it perfect for weeknights or when grilling isn’t an option. The result is juicy, tender chicken coated in a spicy-sweet glaze that’s packed with Caribbean flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy oven-baked preparation—no grill needed
• Bold, spicy-sweet flavor from jerk seasoning and pineapple
• Juicy, tender chicken thanks to pineapple juice marinade
• Perfect for meal prep, parties, or family dinners
• Customizable heat level to suit all tastes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken & Marinade

• Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
• Pineapple juice
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• Jamaican jerk seasoning or jerk paste
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Salt and black pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. Prep the chicken: Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces. Remove the skin if preferred.
2. Make the marinade: Blend pineapple juice, jerk seasoning or paste, garlic, ginger, olive oil, peppers, and optional soy sauce and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Marinate: Place chicken in a bowl or bag with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
5. Bake covered: Place chicken and marinade in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes.
6. Bake uncovered: Remove foil, spoon juices over the chicken, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until slightly caramelized.
7. Optional broil: Broil on high for 3–5 minutes for a lightly charred finish.
8. Serve: Let rest a few minutes before serving with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
• Marinating Time: 12–24 hours
• Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (plus marinating)

Variations

• Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking and easy serving
• Swap pineapple juice for orange or lime juice for a different twist
• Add bell peppers and onions to the baking dish for a full one-pan meal
• Make it milder by using fewer hot peppers or a mild jerk seasoning

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Use a 350°F oven to warm and retain crispness or microwave individual portions for quick meals.

FAQs

What makes jerk chicken “jerk”?

Jerk refers to a Jamaican method of seasoning and cooking meat using a blend of spices including allspice, thyme, and hot peppers.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple and juice work perfectly in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be. Scotch bonnet peppers are quite hot, but you can adjust the quantity to control the heat level.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Absolutely. Grill over medium heat until cooked through, turning occasionally.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 12 hours is ideal, but even 4–6 hours will add good flavor.

Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?

Yes, covering keeps the chicken moist during the first stage of baking.

What are good sides for this dish?

Rice and peas, fried plantains, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables are great pairings.

Can I use jerk marinade from a bottle?

Yes, store-bought jerk marinades work well, just add pineapple juice to balance it.

What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?

Thighs and drumsticks hold up best to baking and stay juicy, but breasts can also be used.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken is the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory. It’s easy to make, full of tropical flavor, and brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy.

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