Ingredients
1 whole chicken (cut into preferred pieces)
4–6 Scotch Bonnet peppers, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
4–6 garlic cloves, chopped
4 stalks scallions, ends trimmed
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 large orange (about 3/4 cup)
Juice of half a lime
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1 tablespoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1-Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
First, blend all the marinade ingredients until smooth. This includes the Scotch Bonnet peppers, red onion, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, ginger, brown sugar, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, thyme, salt, and black pepper. The marinade is what gives Jamaican Jerk Chicken its bold character, so take a moment to mix it well.
2-Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pierce the chicken multiple times to help it absorb the flavors. Place the chicken in a large bowl or bag, pour the marinade over it, and coat evenly. Refrigerate it covered for at least 2 hours, but overnight works best for that deep, authentic taste.
3-Step 3: Cooking Options
Grill over medium-high heat with lightly oiled grates for 12-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a healthier twist, you could follow up with a light dessert like blueberry parfaits to balance the spice. Alternatively, bake in a 400°F oven for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked. Serve hot, and if you like, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top for extra zing.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🔥 For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight – the longer it sits, the more tender and flavorful it becomes
🌡️ Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption and perfect doneness
🍽️ Save some marinade before adding raw chicken, boil it thoroughly, and use as a flavorful sauce to drizzle over the finished chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: minimum 2 hours (preferably overnight)
- Cook Time: 12-20 minutes grilling or 35-40 minutes baking
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 476mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg