Jamaican Jerk Chicken (Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill) Recipe
Introduction
Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. Whether you prefer using an air fryer, oven, or grill, this recipe delivers juicy, aromatic chicken with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (patted dry)
- 6 Tablespoons Jamaican jerk wet paste
- Jerk BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub the chicken pieces thoroughly with the jerk paste, making sure to get some of the marinade under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Step 2: Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best taste.
- Step 3: Choose your cooking method:
- Step 4 (Air Fryer): Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Arrange the chicken pieces in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Step 5 (Oven): Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, turning the pieces halfway to ensure even cooking.
- Step 6 (Grill): Heat your grill to medium using indirect heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which can take up to an hour.
- Step 7: Once cooked, use a sharp knife to chop the chicken further if desired. Serve with jerk BBQ sauce for extra flavor if you like.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your grill while cooking.
- You can substitute bone-in chicken with boneless thighs for quicker cooking, but adjust time accordingly.
- Serve with traditional sides like rice and peas or a fresh mango salsa to complement the spice.
Storage
Store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy skin and juicy interior. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the texture intact.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the jerk paste from scratch?
Yes, making your own jerk paste allows you to adjust the heat and flavor. Common ingredients include Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, and ginger.
What if I don’t have a grill or air fryer?
The oven method works perfectly well. Just be sure to cook at a high temperature and flip the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
PrintJamaican Jerk Chicken (Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill) Recipe
This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe features succulent bone-in chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful, spicy Jamaican jerk paste. You can cook it in an air fryer, conventional oven, or on the grill, offering versatile options for a deliciously smoky and spicy meal. The chicken is marinated for enhanced flavor and can be served with optional jerk BBQ sauce for added tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-50 minutes depending on cooking method
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to overnight marination plus cook time
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying, Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces, patted dry
Marinade
- 6 tablespoons Jamaican jerk wet paste
Optional
- Jerk BBQ Sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Apply marinade: Rub the chicken pieces thoroughly with the Jamaican jerk paste, making sure to get some of the paste rubbed under the skin to maximize flavor infusion.
- Marinate: Place the rubbed chicken in a covered container and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
- Choose cooking method and cook: Depending on your preferred method, proceed with one of the following:
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Conventional Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 45–50 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway to ensure even browning.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat and use indirect heat for cooking. Place the chicken on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This may take up to an hour depending on your grill.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use a sharp knife to chop it further if desired. Serve hot with jerk BBQ sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor if you like.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor but a minimum of 4 hours is sufficient.
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- If using the grill, keep an eye on flare-ups due to the marinade’s sugar content.
- Jerk BBQ sauce is optional but pairs perfectly for a smoky, sweet contrast.
- Bone-in chicken is recommended for juiciness and flavor retention.
Keywords: Jamaican jerk chicken, jerk chicken recipe, air fryer jerk chicken, oven-baked jerk chicken, grilled jerk chicken, spicy chicken recipe
