The Zingy Jerk Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Jamaican street vendors have perfected their mouthwatering jerk chicken recipe through generations of culinary passion.

Smoky aromas waft from sizzling grills, tempting passersby with irresistible spice blends.

Robust marinades infuse tender meat with complex layers of heat and flavor.

Bold scotch bonnet peppers dance alongside fragrant thyme and allspice, creating a symphony of Caribbean tastes.

Each bite promises a vibrant journey through jamaica’s rich cooking traditions.

Lean in close and let this authentic recipe transport you to tropical paradise.

Fire up your grill and prepare for an unforgettable flavor adventure that will make you the star of any gathering.

Why Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken Packs A Punch

• Spice Up Your Mealtime: Dive into a flavor explosion with this jerk chicken recipe that transforms ordinary chicken legs into a Caribbean-inspired sensation.
• Master Culinary Skills: Perfect for home cooks looking to expand their cooking repertoire with a dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe a go-to option for busy families craving something exciting and delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The bold, robust spices create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adventurous eaters and those who love classic comfort food.

What Goes Into Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken

• Chicken Legs: Juicy and flavorful base for the jerk seasoning, providing a classic Caribbean-style main dish.

• Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Thyme, Allspice, Nutmeg, Ginger: A traditional Jamaican spice mixture that creates the signature hot and aromatic flavor profile of jerk chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and balance of the spice blend.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Helps the spice rub adhere to the chicken and adds depth of flavor to the marinade.

Steps To Make Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken

Step 1: Ignite the Oven

Fire up your oven to a blazing 425°F (220°C), creating the perfect hot environment for your jerk chicken adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken legs completely dry with paper towels. Using a fork, puncture tiny holes all over the surface to help the marinade penetrate deeply into the meat.

Step 3: Create the Jerk Spice Blend

• Scotch bonnet peppers
• Fresh thyme
• Garlic
• Green onions
• Allspice
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients into a vibrant, aromatic paste that will transform your chicken.

Step 4: Massage the Flavor

Generously coat each chicken leg with the jerk paste, ensuring you rub it thoroughly over and under the skin. This will infuse the meat with authentic Caribbean flavor.

Step 5: Arrange for Roasting

Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Place the seasoned chicken legs with a little breathing room between each piece to allow even cooking and crispy edges.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven and roast for 40-50 minutes. The chicken will turn a beautiful golden brown and become completely cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the jerk chicken to a serving plate and drizzle the flavorful pan juices over the top. Serve immediately while hot and savor the bold, spicy Caribbean flavors.

Cooking Tips For Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken legs completely dry before seasoning to help the spice rub stick and create a crispy exterior.
• Penetrate for Flavor: Use a fork to poke holes in the chicken, allowing the jerk seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Space for Perfection: Leave some room between chicken legs on the baking tray to ensure even cooking and crispy skin all around.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Spice Flexibility: Adjust the jerk seasoning's heat level by reducing or increasing scotch bonnet peppers to suit personal taste preferences.

Ways To Switch Up Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken

• Tofu Jerk Delight: Replace chicken legs with firm tofu, press out excess moisture, and follow the same marinating and baking process for a vegetarian version.
• Caribbean Fish Fusion: Swap chicken for white fish like snapper or cod, reducing baking time to 20-25 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Low-Carb Jamaican Skillet: Use chicken thighs instead of legs, cook in a cast-iron skillet to get crispy exterior and skip oven baking for stovetop preparation.
• Grilled Island Style: Transfer marinated chicken to outdoor grill, cooking over medium-high heat for 35-45 minutes, turning occasionally for even charring and smoky flavor.

Best Pairings With Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken

• Pair with Jamaican Rum Punch: A vibrant, tropical cocktail that complements the spicy jerk flavors with its sweet and tangy profile.
• Cool Down with Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice balances the heat of the jerk chicken, providing a soothing and smooth counterpoint to the spicy meat.
• Brighten with Mango Salsa: Fresh mango salsa adds a zesty, sweet contrast that cuts through the intense spice and brings a refreshing element to the dish.
• Match with Red Stripe Beer: This classic Jamaican lager offers a crisp, light finish that helps temper the chicken's bold seasoning and provides a authentic Caribbean dining experience.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken Safely

• Store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Wrap individual chicken legs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving the spicy Caribbean taste.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

Hairy Bikers Jerk Chicken FAQs Answered

• What is jerk seasoning made of?

Jerk seasoning typically includes allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, green onions, ginger, and often cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a spicy and aromatic Caribbean flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of legs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they might cook faster and dry out more quickly. Adjust cooking time and watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• How spicy is traditional jerk chicken?

Authentic Jamaican jerk chicken is quite spicy due to scotch bonnet peppers. You can reduce heat by using fewer peppers or substituting with milder chili peppers like jalapeños.

Jerk Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Caribbean jerk chicken brings fiery island flavors to your dinner table, igniting taste buds with bold Jamaican seasonings. Marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, this dish promises a delicious culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 10 chicken legs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2.25 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 heaping tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Sweeteners:

• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat chicken legs dry with paper towels, creating small punctures using a fork to enhance seasoning absorption.
2. Craft a vibrant jerk spice mixture in a mixing bowl, combining aromatic Caribbean-inspired ingredients.
3. Massage the bold spice paste meticulously over and beneath the chicken skin, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Prepare a foil-lined baking tray, positioning chicken legs with slight separation to promote uniform heat circulation.
5. Roast in a preheated oven at 425F (220C) for approximately 40-50 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns a rich golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F.
6. Allow chicken to rest briefly after removing from oven, then transfer to serving platter.
7. Drizzle accumulated pan juices over the chicken, enhancing moisture and intensifying the robust jerk flavor profile.

Notes

• Pat chicken legs completely dry to help crispy skin develop during roasting.
• Use fresh Jamaican jerk spices for authentic, bold flavor profile that truly pops.
• Pierce chicken skin with fork to allow marinade to penetrate deeper and create more intense seasoning.
• Consider using boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking if preferred, adjusting total roasting time by 10-15 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 217 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 168 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg