Whole30 Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Bring bold island flavors to your kitchen with this Whole30 Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe! Packed with aromatic scallions, fresh ginger, and a fiery kick from habanero pepper, this dish captures the essence of traditional Jamaican jerk while staying fully Whole30-compliant. A rich marinade featuring coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices like allspice and cinnamon infuses the chicken drumsticks with irresistible flavor. Whether grilled to perfection with a smoky char or roasted until crispy in the oven, this easy yet vibrant recipe will take your taste buds on a tropical journey. Serve with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad for a healthy, flavor-loaded meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 Chicken drumsticks
• 5 Scallions
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 1 inch piece Fresh ginger root
• 1 Habanero pepper
• 0.25 cup Whole30-compliant coconut aminos
• 0.25 cup Whole30-compliant apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the scallions, garlic, and ginger. Coarsely chop them first for easier blending.

Step 3

Add the habanero pepper, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice to the food processor.

Step 4

Include the paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper in the mix.

Step 5

Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, ensuring all the ingredients are well integrated.

Step 6

Transfer the chicken drumsticks to a large mixing bowl. Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.

Step 7

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.

Step 8

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

Step 9

For grilling, place the marinated drumsticks on the grill. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

Step 10

If roasting in the oven, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.

Step 11

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve hot with your choice of Whole30-approved sides, such as a fresh salad or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1075.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1538.7

Total Fat 74.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 3976.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 5.4g
Protein 181.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222.9mg	0%
Iron 11.2mg	0%
Potassium 2427.3mg	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: 43.6%

Protein: 47.0%

Carbs: 9.4%