Caribbean Jerk Chicken

Infused with bold island flavors, this Caribbean Jerk Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of heat and aromatic spice, designed to transport your taste buds straight to the tropics. Juicy chicken legs and thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of scallions, fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh ginger, and a harmonious mix of fragrant spices like allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A touch of soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice adds rich depth and a hint of sweetness to this irresistible dish. Whether grilled to smoky perfection or oven-baked for crispy skin, this dish delivers moist, flavorful chicken with every bite. Serve it with rice and peas, plantains, or a zesty Caribbean salad for a truly authentic, crowd-pleasing meal. Great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this jerk chicken is your go-to recipe for bringing a taste of the Caribbean to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken legs and thighs
• 5 stalks scallions
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 2 pieces Scotch bonnet peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine scallions, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Blend the ingredients into a smooth marinade paste.

Step 4

Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 5

Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 6

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 8

Grill the chicken for about 20-25 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Turn the chicken occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 9

If using an oven, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked and the skin is crispy.

Step 10

Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with your favorite sides such as rice and peas, plantains, or a fresh Caribbean salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(882.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1694.1

Total Fat 108.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 558mg	0%
Sodium 4606.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 42.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.8g	0%
Total Sugars 21.7g
Protein 139.6g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 225.9mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 2013.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.2%

Protein: 32.7%

Carbs: 10.1%