Spice Up Your Dinner with This Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Craving a taste of the Caribbean? This Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for anyone who loves a good roast chicken with a spicy twist, this dish will soon be a staple at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 10

Ingredients You'll Need

• 10 chicken legs
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 TB light brown sugar, packed
• 1 TB dried thyme
• 2 tsp ground allspice
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ - ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 425F, positioning the rack on the lower middle level.
2. Mix your spices: In a bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant spice rub.
3. Prepare the chicken: Dry the chicken legs with paper towels, and use a fork to poke holes all over. Generously apply the spice rub under the skin and on top, ensuring it's well coated.
4. Bake to perfection: Arrange the chicken on a large, foil-lined baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken legs, until they are beautifully browned.
5. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors and juicy texture of your homemade jerk chicken!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

• Cinnamon-sensitive? Start with just ¼ tsp and adjust according to your taste.
• Serving suggestions: This jerk chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple Rice and Beans dish or fluffy Jasmine Rice.
• Make ahead: Whip up extra dry spice rub and store it in your pantry. Just add olive oil when you're ready to cook next time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Jamaican Jerk Chicken isn't just a meal; it's a journey to the heart of the Caribbean. Each bite is packed with bold spices and succulent textures, making dinner an exciting adventure.