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Authentic Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Close-up of several pieces of dark, richly seasoned Jamaican jerk chicken piled on a white plate.

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Make flavorful Jamaican Jerk Chicken in your oven. This recipe uses a traditional marinade for bold island spice.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 4 scallions, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vegetable oil, vinegar, ginger, allspice, brown sugar, thyme, cinnamon, pepper, salt, scotch bonnet pepper, scallions, and garlic. Mix well to create the jerk marinade.
  2. Score the chicken pieces deeply with a sharp knife to allow the marinade to penetrate.
  3. Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade. Rub the marinade thoroughly over all surfaces of the chicken.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  6. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the wire rack, discarding any excess marinade.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). For crispier skin, you can briefly broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a grilled version, cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes per side, turning occasionally until cooked through.
  • Serve this chicken with traditional Jamaican Rice and Peas for a complete meal.
  • If you cannot find scotch bonnet peppers, use habanero peppers as a substitute, adjusting quantity based on desired heat level.

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