Grilled Jerk Chicken Recipe

This grilled jerk chicken recipe is one of our favorite grilling recipes of all time. We love this dinner option and make it for guests often during grilling season.

Original recipe: June 2016 | Updated: March 2022

Why This Recipe Works

One thing about us Minnesotans is that we genuinely appreciate nice weather. When it is a brisk 50 degrees outside and I drive by one of our many beautiful lakes, it is guaranteed that I will see people in shorts and short-sleeved shirts enjoying the lovely weather. I love that about us.

Every single evening of the year that is above 55 degrees, I tell my husband, “We have to grill tonight!” We love grilling and we grill such a wide variety of foods. One of our absolute favorite grilling recipes is this Jamaican jerk chicken recipe, which we have tweaked endlessly over the years.

It is savory, a bit spicy (cater spice to your liking!) and such a crowd-pleaser. We often prepare it when we have friends over and it always receives rave reviews.

Did I mention how easy it is to make? Simply throw a handful of ingredients in a resealable bag, add chicken and let it marinate for at least four hours.

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken breasts – Breasts can be replaced with chicken thighs, but cook time may vary.

Yellow onion – Replace with a red onion or extra green onions, if desired.

Jalapeno peppers – Omit the hot peppers from the sauce entirely if you are looking to make this a milder sauce.

Light brown sugar – Dark brown sugar can be used in equal amounts. If you would like to reduce or eliminate sugar from the recipe, omit this ingredient entirely.

Soy sauce – Use equal amounts coconut aminos to make this a gluten-free recipe.

White vinegar – Replace with apple cider vinegar for an extra flavor boost.

Olive oil – Canola or vegetable oil can be used as a replacement in equal amounts.

Dried thyme – If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, replace with 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

Cayenne pepper – This is an optional ingredient, but if you wish to achieve maximum flavor that will make your taste buds sing don’t eliminate it!

How To Make Grilled Jerk Chicken

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine onions, jalapeños, garlic, thyme, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, Teriyaki sauce, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Mix jerk marinade well and add to a large resealable Ziploc bag.

Step 2

Place chicken in the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours (but preferably overnight).

Step 3

Grill chicken over medium heat until centers are no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, return juices to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring for 10-15 minutes and serve over top of the grilled chicken.

Recipe Notes

• This jerk chicken sauce recipe is very similar, but contains fewer ingredients than the one detailed in this post.
• The spice in this recipe can be catered to your liking! To decrease spiciness, omit jalapenos and cayenne pepper. To increase the spiciness, add other types of peppers such as scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers!
• For best results, allow chicken to marinate overnight. At minimum, marinate for 4 hours.
• Make your own Teriyaki Sauce quickly and easily!
• If you know you’d like a super smooth sauce before you begin cooking, cut the onion into chunks (vs chopping) and throw the garlic cloves in whole. Toss the marinade ingredients into a food processor and puree until desired consistency has been reached.
• Other fresh herbs can be added to the mixture, depending on what your tastebuds are craving. Parsley, chives and basil all contribute a unique and delicious flavor.
• Grated fresh ginger adds a freshness to the sauce that you’ll love! Start with 1 teaspoon and increase according to your personal preferences.
• Lime juice, lemon juice or a dash of orange juice will add fresh flavor to the marinade.
• If using ziploc bags to store the delicious marinade in the refrigerator, be sure to double up on the plastic bag usage!

How Long Does Soy Sauce Last

How long does soy sauce last? If you have a bottle staring at you from inside your pantry or refrigerator and you don’t know whether to toss or use, you’ll want to read this post!

What To Serve With Jerk Chicken – 19 delicious ideas!

If you are searching for other foods that pair well with this main meal, read on for ideas about what to serve with jerk chicken.

FAQ About Jerk Chicken

Delicious Chicken Recipes

• Chicken Rice Bake is made in one pan and packed with delicious flavor. This easy dinner is packed with a variety of textures and it is the perfect family dinner to make any night of the week. Guaranteed to become a favorite!
• Made with simple ingredients, this Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken is ready in less than 30 minutes!
• Slow Cooker Crack Chicken – This is an addicting and delicious lunch or dinner option that everyone will enjoy. Great weeknight meal AND the perfect party food!
• Dinner has never been easier! NO PREP is required for this quick and delicious One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Simplify those busy weeknights by adding this hearty meal to the dinner rotation!
• Easy Classic Chicken Alfredo is the perfect dinner recipe for busy nights. Done in 30 minutes and made in a single pan, everyone at the table will love this comforting dish!
• This is the tastiest Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe you’ll meet. Add a couple of capers for a vibrant, healthy addition. Add this to your dinner rotation pronto!
• This One-Pan Roasted Chicken dinner is a win-win. It is easy to prepare and it is packed with flavor. It contains tons of veggies, savory chicken and a delicious combination of textures. Great meal for busy weeknights!

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