Description
This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and authentic taste of the Caribbean, featuring tender bone-in chicken pieces marinated in a spicy jerk wet paste. You can cook it using an air fryer, conventional oven, or grill, making it versatile and suitable for any kitchen setup. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect blend of spices, and you have the option to serve it with jerk BBQ sauce for a saucier dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces, patted dry
Marinade
- 6 tablespoons Jamaican jerk wet paste
Optional
- Jerk BBQ Sauce (for basting or dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rub the chicken pieces thoroughly with the Jamaican jerk wet paste, ensuring you apply some under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
- Marinate: Cover the chicken and allow it to marinate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the flavor.
- Cook – Air Fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook – Oven method: Preheat your conventional oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer, bake for 45-50 minutes, and flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Cook – Grill method: Heat the grill to medium and use indirect heat. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This process can take up to an hour depending on your grill. Flip as needed.
- Final prep: Once cooked, use a sharp knife to chop the chicken into desired pieces or serve as is. Optionally, baste the chicken with jerk BBQ sauce while cooking or serve the sauce on the side as a dipping option.
Notes
- For authenticity, use Jamaican jerk wet paste such as the one from Walkerswood, or prepare a homemade jerk wet rub for a personalized flavor.
- Jerk chicken is traditionally served dry without sauce, but adding jerk BBQ sauce can create a saucier dish for those who prefer it.
- Marinating overnight yields the best flavor absorption.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4.5 oz chicken)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
