Jamaican Rum Chicken

Get a taste of the Caribbean with this irresistible Jamaican Rum Chicken, bursting with bold island flavors. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty and aromatic blend of dark Jamaican rum, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, honey, and a medley of spices like allspice and cayenne pepper. Infused with garlic, ginger, scallions, and thyme, the chicken becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful after soaking in the marinade. Whether grilled to smoky perfection or oven-baked with a caramelized finish, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Perfectly paired with classic sides like rice and peas or fried plantains, this recipe is a festive centerpiece for any meal. Indulge in the vibrant essence of Jamaican cuisine with every delicious bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 0.25 cups dark Jamaican rum
• 0.25 cups soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (fresh, grated)
• 3 pieces scallions (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon thyme (fresh, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon allspice (ground)
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine dark Jamaican rum, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, scallions, thyme, allspice, cayenne pepper, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and massage the marinade into the chicken to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3

Preheat your grill to medium heat, or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.

Step 4

If grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grates. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the leftover marinade occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5

If baking, transfer the chicken to a baking dish, skin-side up, and pour any leftover marinade over the top. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 6

Optional: For extra caramelization, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as rice and peas or fried plantains. Enjoy the tropical flavors of Jamaica!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	315.9 grams (315.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	591

Total Fat 26.90g	34%
Saturated Fat 3.80g	19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4680mg	203%
Total Carbohydrate 53.70g	20%
Dietary Fiber 3.90g	14%
Total Sugars 37.30g
Protein 8.40g	17%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 89mg	7%
Iron 3mg	19%
Potassium 511mg	11%

*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: 49.4%

Protein: 6.9%

Carbs: 43.8%