Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken: A Taste of the Caribbean in Your Oven

Photo byangie bright

If you're craving a taste of the Caribbean, look no further than baked Jamaican jerk chicken. This dish is packed with a perfect blend of spices that gives it the signature heat and smoky flavor that jerk seasoning is known for. With a history rooted in Jamaica's culinary traditions, jerk seasoning has become popular worldwide for its unique combination of spices, including thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers. By baking the chicken, you can enjoy all the flavor of traditional jerk cooking in a healthier, oven-friendly way without the need for a grill or smoker.

Jamaican jerk chicken is the ideal dish for a casual dinner or when you're looking to impress guests with something a little more exotic. It's bursting with aromatic spices and can be served alongside rice and peas, fried plantains, or a simple salad for a complete meal. The secret to its mouth-watering taste lies in the bold jerk seasoning mix, which infuses the chicken with layers of flavor.

Recipe: Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken (thighs or drumsticks work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a hint of sweetness)

Directions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and ensure the chicken doesn't stick.
2. In a large mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces with olive oil to help the spices adhere and ensure that the chicken remains juicy during baking.
3. In a separate smaller bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. This spice blend will bring all the traditional flavors of jerk chicken to your oven-baked dish.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to your preferred spice level, but remember, jerk seasoning is all about bold flavors!
5. Place the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It's important to space the chicken evenly so that each piece bakes evenly and gets crispy on the outside.
6. Bake the chicken in the oven for about 50 minutes, turning halfway through. This ensures even cooking and allows the spices to fully develop their flavor.
7. If you like a hint of sweetness to balance out the spice, drizzle a little honey over the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking. The honey caramelizes slightly, adding a delicious contrast to the heat.

The result is tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin that’s full of the vibrant flavors of Jamaica. The spices from the jerk seasoning, combined with the optional drizzle of honey, create a delightful balance of heat and sweetness, making this dish a standout at any meal.

Baked Jamaican jerk chicken is perfect for serving with rice, grilled vegetables, or even as a flavorful filling for tacos or wraps. However you choose to enjoy it, this dish will transport you to the heart of the Caribbean with every bite.

Here are some great sources to help you make a flavorful Jamaican jerk seasoning or jerk chicken dish:

1. Food & Wine provides an authentic recipe for Jamaican jerk chicken, blending traditional ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice berries, and thyme. This version emphasizes marinating the chicken overnight to let the seasoning penetrate deeply for bold flavors​(Food & Wine).
2. Jamaicans.com offers a classic jerk seasoning recipe with all the staples, including allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers. This guide emphasizes jerk's cultural significance and provides instructions for marinating various meats​(Jamaicans and Jamaica - Jamaicans.com).
3. Chili Pepper Madness includes a homemade jerk seasoning recipe that highlights key spices like clove, nutmeg, and allspice. It also suggests how to tweak the recipe to personal preferences and adjust the spice level​(Chili Pepper Madness).
4. Foodie and Wine offers a simplified version of jerk seasoning, using common pantry staples like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, making it easy for beginners to prepare​(Foodie and Wine).

These sources should provide you with the necessary information to create a delicious Jamaican jerk seasoning or chicken dish at home!