Description
This Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken delivers bold, smoky, and spicy Caribbean flavor in every juicy bite. Perfectly marinated, grilled, and finished with a sticky BBQ glaze.
Ingredients
8 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
3 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero), seeded and chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp lime juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for brushing)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, combine green onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and oil until smooth.
2. Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Pour marinade over chicken in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil grates well.
5. Grill chicken skin-side down first for 6–7 minutes. Flip and continue grilling for another 6–8 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
6. In final 2–3 minutes of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce if desired.
7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a milder version, use just half of the Scotch bonnet pepper or substitute with jalapeño.
This jerk marinade also works great on pork or tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg