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Dinner

Homemade Caribbean Style Jerk Chicken

This flavorful jerk chicken brings a bold taste of the Caribbean right into your home kitchen.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Caribbean· July 20, 2026
Homemade Caribbean Style Jerk Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Total
1 hour
Serves
4

There is something special about the smoky, spicy aroma of jerk chicken filling the house. This recipe captures that classic charred exterior and juicy, tender center that everyone loves.

My favorite trick for the best flavor is letting the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least a few hours. It gives those spices plenty of time to soak deep into the meat for a really wonderful result.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds chicken pieces, bone in and skin on
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 3 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a blender or food processor, combine the green onions, habanero peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oil, thyme, brown sugar, allspice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you have a smooth marinade.

  2. 2

    Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or a sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands to coat every piece thoroughly.

  3. 3

    Cover the bowl or seal the bag and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better.

  4. 4

    Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you are using an oven, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  5. 5

    Grill the chicken for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is nicely charred and the meat is cooked through. If baking, place the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until the juices run clear.

  6. 6

    Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Tips

Serve this chicken alongside fluffy white rice, fried plantains, or a simple cabbage slaw to balance the heat. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

#chicken#dinner#spicy#grilling#high protein

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