Description
Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a signature dish of Jamaican cuisine that combines a spicy and savory marinade with smoky flavors from grilling or baking. The chicken is typically seasoned with a special blend of spices, including thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers, giving it its distinctive kick. When paired with a refreshing pineapple relish, which balances the heat with its sweetness, this dish becomes a celebration of flavors.
Ingredients
Jerk Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍍 Pineapple Relish Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp honey (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Mix all jerk seasoning ingredients in a bowl.
- Rub the mixture generously over the chicken.
- Let it marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken on a baking tray lined with foil.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra char.
3. Make the Pineapple Relish
- Combine all relish ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Serve
- Plate the jerk chicken and top with a generous spoonful of pineapple relish.
- Pair with rice and peas, grilled plantains, or a fresh salad.
Notes
This dish brings together the smoky heat of traditional jerk seasoning with the refreshing sweetness of pineapple relish for a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it with coconut rice, grilled veggies, or warm flatbreads to complete your tropical-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1 chicken breast with relish)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Jerk Chicken, Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Pineapple Relish, Jerk Chicken Recipe, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe