Jerk Chicken Recipe

Name: Jerk Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 3 1/2- to 4-pound chickens, quartered, or 8 whole legs, or 5 to 6 pounds bone-in, skin-on thighs; 1 large bunch scallions (about 8), white and green parts; 2 shallots, peeled and halved; 4 to 6 Scotch bonnet chili peppers, stems removed, or habaneros; 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped; 6 garlic cloves, peeled; 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tablespoon dried; 2 tablespoons ground allspice, more for sprinkling; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon salt, more for sprinkling; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar; Freshly squeezed juice of 2 limes

Servings: persons

2 3 1/2- to 4-pound chickens, quartered, or 8 whole legs, or 5 to 6 pounds bone-in, skin-on thighs
1 large bunch scallions (about 8), white and green parts
2 shallots, peeled and halved
4 to 6 Scotch bonnet chili peppers, stems removed, or habaneros
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tablespoon dried
2 tablespoons ground allspice, more for sprinkling
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt, more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
Freshly squeezed juice of 2 limes

1
At least 1 day before cooking, pat chicken dry with paper towels.
2
Combine remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and grind to a coarse paste.
3
Slather all over chicken, including under skin.
4
Refrigerate 12 to 36 hours.
5
Bring to room temperature before cooking and lightly sprinkle with more salt and ground allspice.
6
Prepare a charcoal grill: Clean and oil grates, and preheat to medium heat using one chimney of charcoal.
7
The temperature can start as high as 300 degrees and go as low as 250.
8
For best results, coals should be at least 12 inches away from chicken.
9
If necessary, push coals to one side of grill to create indirect heat.
10
Add two large handfuls of soaked pimento (allspice) wood sticks and chips (see note) or other aromatic wood chips to coals, then close grill.
11
When thick white smoke billows from grill, place chicken on grate, skin side up, and cover.
12
Let cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes.
13
Uncover grill.
14
Chicken will be golden and mahogany in places.
15
Chicken thighs may already be cooked through.
16
For other cuts, turn chicken over and add more wood chips, and charcoal if needed.
17
Cover and continue cooking, checking and turning every 10 minutes.
18
Jerk chicken is done when skin is burnished brown and chicken juices are completely clear, with no pink near the bone.
19
For large pieces, this can take up to an hour.
20
Serve hot or warm, with rice and beans.

672

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 3 1/2- to 4-pound chickens, quartered, or 8 whole legs, or 5 to 6 pounds bone-in, skin-on thighs, 1 large bunch scallions (about 8), white and green parts, 2 shallots, peeled and halved, 4 to 6 Scotch bonnet chili peppers, stems removed, or habaneros, and more.

Yes, Jerk Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Jerk Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions