Grilled Jerk Chicken

The Jerk Seasoning Blend makes a mouthwatering grilled chicken recipe that has a vibrate and spicy flavor but is kid approved. The marinade is made with Habanero Peppers, Thyme, Nutmeg and other simple ingredients.

You will love how the marinade enhances the flavor and how easy it is to grill the chicken thighs and drumsticks. We love making Homemade Marinades so we can control the ingredients. Try these other marinade recipes – Asian Chicken Marinade, Grilled Chicken Marinade and Mexican Chicken Marinade.

Why This Recipe Works

We grill out chicken often because it is healthy and pairs easily with many side dishes. Changing the marinade allows my to change the flavor so my family doesn’t get tired of eating chicken.

This Grilled Jerk Chicken is one of my family’s favorite because of the hint of spice and every bite is so delicious. This recipe is simple enough to serve for a weeknight meal but we often make it when we have friends over.

Ingredients

• Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks – You can also make this with chicken breasts
• Olive Oil  – Feel free to use vegetable oil or avocado oil
• Small Onion – We chopped onions with a vegetable chopper so they are about the same size 
• Scallions – Remove the ends and chop
• Garlic Cloves – We used minced garlic, but you can substitute with garlic powder
• Habanero Chili Peppers – Stem and Seeds Removed. Substitute with Scotch Bonnet Peppers
• Ground Allspice, Fresh Thyme, and Nutmeg – Signature Jerk Seasoning Blend
• Soy Sauce – If you are out, see these Soy Sauce Substitutes
• Lime – Feel free to use other citrus flavor such as lemon

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Seasoning Additions

Grilled Jerk Chicken spices can be changed or added to change the flavor. Start by adding ½ teaspoon and add more to taste.

• Ground Cinnamon
• Brown Sugar
• Kosher Salt
• Fresh Ginger

How to Make Grilled Jerk Chicken

Step 1 – Place all the marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend on high until combined and smooth. 

Step 2 – Place the chicken in a large bowl or bag. Pour the marinade on top and make sure that the chicken is completely covered in the marinade. Refrigerate and marinade for at least 1-2 hours for the best flavor (overnight works as well).  

Step 3 – Place the chicken, skin side down, on the grill grates.  Cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping them every 2-3 minutes.

Step 4 – Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to flip them often so that the skin does not get overcooked. 

• Step 5 – Move the chicken from the grill to a plate. Cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then it’s ready to serve and enjoy! For even more flavor, top with chopped green onions.  

Expert Tips

• Lime Toppings – You can top with extra lime juice once it’s removed from the grill to add a little bit of extract tangiest if you prefer.
• Rest Chicken – Let the chicken sit at room temperature while you preheat the grill over medium high heat.  
• Prepare Grill – Clean the grill grates thoroughly and rub them with the olive oil to keep the chicken from sticking to the grill. 
• Marinating Chicken – For the best flavor, we recommend marinating the chicken for at least 1-2 hours prior to grilling the chicken.

How Long Does it Take for Jerk Chicken to Cook on the Grill?

We cook the Jerk Chicken in a gas grill but you can also cook on a charcoal grill. Once you place the chicken wings and drumsticks on the grill it takes about 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

We recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature before removing it from the grill. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when this chicken is fully cooked.

What to Serve with Grilled Jerk Chicken?

Jerk Chicken is a delicious meal served with White Rice, Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice. We also love to add grilled side dishes including Grilled Broccolini, Grilled Asparagus and Grilled Zucchini.

This delicious chicken can be served with many side dishes. We have even shredded the chicken and made Chicken Quesadillas Recipe, Grilled Chicken Street Tacos and Chicken Bowls.