Jamaican 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
Scale
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
