Everyone who loves Jerk Chicken… absolutely LOVES Jerk Chicken. Some may find it intimidating to create the traditional jerk seasoning & marinade that is slathered in and around the Chicken. Grilled Jerk Chicken is a simple easy way to achieve Jerk flavors with minimum effort.
I enjoy all parts of a Chicken but for this recipe, my love of a Chicken Thigh takes the top. I find it more flavorful and juicier than its counterparts. Chicken Thighs are available skin on, bone in, boneless, skinless or a combination of any of the above. For this recipe, I used skin on & bone in as I love a grilled crispy skin. Bone in adds more flavor to the Chicken. Not a fan of dark meat and prefer a white meat, substitution is allowed. Be mindful of the grilling time. The longer you cook a white meat, the drier it can become.
Jerk Chicken is known for its association with Jamaican cuisine. As a result, Spicy and smoky flavors marinade cuts of Chicken infusing spicy goodness we all love in Jerk Chicken. Traditional spices used in a Jerk marinade consist all or a variation of some. Allspice, Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon, Scallions, Nutmeg, Thyme, Garlic, Brown Sugar, Ginger, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Salt. While some will prepare it traditionally, there are many premade seasonings and marinades available in the grocery stores today. To cut time and accumulation of seasonings, I blend both of both worlds. A premade seasoning Jerk blend and a premade Jerk marinade. With the addition of common household seasonings, a perfect but simple Grilled Jerk Chicken recipe is born.
Grilled Jerk Chicken
Equipment
- Grill
- Mixing Bowl
- Spray Bottle with Water
Ingredients
Protein
- 6-8 Chicken Thighs Bone In, Skin On. Cleaned.
Pantry
- 2 tbsp Walkerswood Jerk Marinade Mild or Hot, your preference.
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Garlic Herb Seasoning
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Jerk Seasoning
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Powder
- 1 tbsp Adobo
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
Oil
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
Instructions
Marinade
- Add Jerk Marinade, Seasoning & Oil into a Bowl. Using a whisk, stir to incorporate.
- Add cleaned Chicken Thighs into the bowl and using your hands, rub the marinade into the Chicken being sure to coat thoroughly. Cover and let marinade for 3 hours. Can be prepared the night before and let marinade in refrigerator overnight. Take out and place on counter to bring up to room temperature 30 minutes prior to grilling.
Grilling
- Preheat grill to medium/high temperature.
- Lightly brush the grill grate with Oil so that Chicken will not stick.
- Gently lay Chicken skin side down and grill for 25-30 minutes being sure to turn several times. During grilling time, lightly spray Chicken with Water to add moisture to the outside. Grill until internal temperature reaches 165℉. Remove and set aside to rest.
- Serve with a side of Peas and Rice or your favorite sides. Enjoy.
