Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Authentic Caribbean Jerk Chicken recipe. Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of jerk seasoning, garlic, ginger, scallions, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, spicy finish. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Jerk Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs and thighs recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine jerk seasoning, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped scallions, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, to avoid flare-ups and uneven cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy and nicely charred.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with some of the reserved chopped scallions and serve hot with traditional Caribbean sides such as rice and peas, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes.
- Adjust the jerk seasoning quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- Leftover jerk chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
