I don't have a grill. Can I make jerk chicken in the oven?

Yes, jerk chicken can be roasted in the oven if a grill is unavailable. Preheat the oven to 425°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, and set an oven-proof rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken on the rack, skin side up, and roast until lightly browned and cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes. Turn on broiler (leave the pan on the middle rack), and cook 1 to 3 minutes more, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

How spicy is jerk chicken?

Jerk chicken is known for its spicy kick, primarily coming from Scotch bonnet or Habanero peppers. The level of heat can vary depending on the amount of chili used in the marinade. If you're sensitive to spice or prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chili peppers or remove the seeds and membranes, where most of the heat resides.

What is the difference between Scotch bonnet and habanero peppers?

These two peppers are varieties of the same chili pepper species, and they have a similar flavor and level of heat. Scotch bonnet peppers are native to the Caribbean and are used to make authentic jerk chicken, but they can be hard to find. Habanero peppers, grown primarily in Mexico, make a great substitute. The heat comes from the seeds and membranes, so throw in the whole peppers for spicy jerk chicken. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes from one or both of the peppers.

What can I do with leftover jerk chicken?

Leftover Jerk Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into a variety of delicious meals. Consider shredding or chopping the chicken to use as a flavorful filling for tacos, wraps, quesadillas , or burrito bowls .

Jamaican Jerk Chicken - Once Upon a Chef

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Adapted from Food & Wine

Ready to whip up Jamaica’s most iconic dish? The most deliciously spicy, smoky, and aromatic jerk chicken is just a few steps away!

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 45 Minutes

Total Time: 1 Hour, plus at least 8 hours to marinate

Ingredients

1 small yellow onion, cut into large chunks
2 scallions, quartered
2 Scotch bonnet or Habanero chili peppers, stemmed (and seeded, if desired; see note) and roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2½ to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks or breasts)
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Make the marinade: In the bowl of a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except for the chicken. Process until the vegetables are finely puréed and the mixture is relatively smooth (the texture will be slightly gritty). Place the chicken pieces and the marinade in a large Ziploc bag; squeeze air out and seal tightly. Mash the chicken around to coat evenly with the marinade. Place the bag in a bowl (in case of leakage) and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.
Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350-375°F). Clean and oil the cooking grate. Place the chicken, skin side up, on the cooler side of the grill and cook, covered, turning and moving occasionally to prevent burning and flare-ups, for 35 to 40 minutes. If the skin is not yet crispy, move the chicken, skin side down, to the hotter side of the grill; cook, keeping a close watch to prevent burning, until the skin is rendered and crisp, a few minutes. Transfer the chicken to serving platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges.
Note: Be very careful when working with Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. They are extremely hot, and if you touch your eyes while handling them, it will be very painful. It's a good idea to wear disposable gloves or wash your hands very well when done. The heat comes from the seeds and membranes, so throw in the whole peppers for spicy jerk chicken. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes from one or both of the peppers.
Note: If you don't have a grill (or grilling weather) the chicken can be roasted in the oven instead. Preheat the oven to 425°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, and set an oven-proof rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken on the rack, skin side up, and roast until lightly browned and cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes. Turn on broiler (leave the pan on the middle rack), and cook 1 to 3 minutes more, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Pair with

Nutrition Information

Per serving (4 servings)
Calories: 669
Fat: 47 g
Saturated fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Sugar: 1 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 55 g
Sodium: 1,369 mg
Cholesterol: 213 mg