BBQ Jerk Chicken Recipes: Bring the Island Flavors to Your Grill
Jerk chicken is a classic Caribbean dish known for its bold, spicy flavors and smoky aroma. It’s a perfect BBQ dish for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat and tons of flavor. The jerk seasoning is typically a mix of spices, herbs, and heat, creating a complex and delicious marinade. Below, you'll find some exciting jerk chicken recipes to take your BBQ game to the next level.
➡ BBQ Jerk Chicken Recipe
This recipe captures the essence of traditional jerk chicken, with a spicy, smoky marinade that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar (preferably apple cider)
1 tablespoon lime juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero peppers for heat)
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients (garlic, peppers, spices, soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, and sugar). Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken for 7-10 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is perfectly charred.
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a tangy slaw.
➡ BBQ Jerk Chicken Skewers Recipe
These BBQ jerk chicken skewers are perfect for a summer BBQ, packed with flavors and a great way to serve jerk chicken as finger food.
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, thyme, allspice, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve with a side of grilled pineapple or a fresh salad.
➡ BBQ Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe
These wings bring a smoky, spicy, and tangy twist to your traditional BBQ wings. Perfect for a crowd or a fun evening with friends.
Ingredients:
10-12 chicken wings
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, lime juice, thyme, allspice, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the chicken wings in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (longer for more flavor).
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Grill the wings for 10-12 minutes per side, or until crispy and fully cooked.
5. Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of mango salsa.
➡ BBQ Jerk Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Take your BBQ jerk chicken to the next level by making a delicious sandwich. With a crispy, flavorful chicken patty and tangy toppings, this sandwich is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
4 soft sandwich buns
1 cup coleslaw (optional for topping)
1/2 cup pickled red onions (optional for topping)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, allspice, thyme, brown sugar, Scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let them marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
5. Toast the sandwich buns lightly on the grill.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the grilled jerk chicken on the buns and topping with coleslaw and pickled onions if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
➡ BBQ Jerk Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Sweet and spicy come together in these delicious jerk chicken and pineapple skewers. The juicy pineapple perfectly complements the smoky, spicy chicken.
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, thyme, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken chunks to the marinade and let them marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Thread the chicken and pineapple chunks onto the skewers.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the skewers for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately with a side of rice or a fresh salad.
BBQ jerk chicken is the perfect dish for those who love bold flavors, a touch of heat, and a lot of smoke. Whether you're making wings, skewers, sandwiches, or the classic BBQ jerk chicken, these recipes will bring a delicious Caribbean flair to your grill. Enjoy!
