Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with the bold, island-inspired flavors of Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken! This recipe is a masterful blend of aromatic spices, including allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, combined with fiery habanero peppers, fresh ginger, and thyme for an irresistible marinade. The tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are infused with these vibrant flavors after marinating for hours—ideally overnight—before being grilled to juicy perfection. The result? A smoky, charred finish that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and zest. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for your next barbecue or family dinner. Serve this authentic Jamaican delicacy with classic sides like rice and peas or a crisp green salad for a meal that’s as satisfying as a tropical getaway! Keywords: Jamaican jerk chicken recipe, grilled jerk chicken, spicy chicken marinade, Caribbean cuisine, easy summer grilling recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 5 stalks Scallions
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 inch Fresh ginger
• 2 pieces Habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons Ground allspice
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a blender or food processor, combine scallions, garlic, ginger, habanero peppers, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you have a smooth marinade.

Step 2

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.

Step 3

Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 4

Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.

Step 5

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.

Step 7

Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Serve the grilled Jamaican jerk chicken with rice and peas, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1178.1 grams (1178.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2368

Total Fat 169.90g	218%
Saturated Fat 44.40g	222%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 735mg	245%
Sodium 4865mg	212%
Total Carbohydrate 49.20g	18%
Dietary Fiber 7.50g	27%
Total Sugars 25.00g
Protein 172.20g	344%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 288mg	22%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 2511mg	53%

*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: 63.3%

Protein: 28.5%

Carbs: 8.2%