Name: Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 10 chicken legs; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed); 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons ground allspice; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

There's something irresistibly vibrant about this Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe that instantly transports you to the Caribbean with every bite. The perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors makes it a standout meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with eight dark brown, roasted chicken drumsticks. The drumsticks have a crispy, shiny texture with visible herbs sprinkled on top. The baking dish has some caramelized spots of sauce and oil around the chicken, adding to the rich look. The white marbled surface can be seen beneath the dish along with a green and white checkered cloth partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. What really gets me is how effortlessly you capture those bold Caribbean flavors without needing a smoky grill or hours of prep.

Bold, Authentic Flavor: The spice blend is perfectly balanced to give you that classic jerk heat with a hint of sweetness and warmth from cinnamon and cloves.
Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients that you likely have on hand, making it a weeknight winner.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Poking holes and rubbing under the skin traps the spices inside and keeps every bite juicy.
Oven-Baked Convenience: No need for a grill—roasting the chicken develops that lovely browned crust.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor. From the sweetness of brown sugar to the warmth of allspice and cinnamon, these components blend perfectly, so grab quality spices for the best results.

Flat lay of ten raw chicken legs with smooth skin, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with packed light brown sugar, a small white bowl containing dried green thyme leaves, a small white bowl of ground reddish-brown allspice, a small white bowl of vibrant smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl with fine light brown cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of yellowish ground ginger, a small white bowl with dark brown ground cloves, a small white bowl of bright red cayenne pepper, a small white bowl of pale beige garlic powder, a small white bowl with light tan onion powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with freshly ground black pepper, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken legs: They’re perfect for roasting—meaty and juicy, with skin that crisps nicely.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and encourages a golden crust on the skin.
Light brown sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness to balance the spice.
Dried thyme: Classic herb that adds a subtle earthiness.
Ground allspice: The heart of jerk seasoning, delivering that signature Caribbean flavor.
Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky depth without needing a grill or smoker.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch warms the spices and lifts the overall aroma.
Ground ginger: Adds a hint of zing and warmth.
Ground cloves: Intensifies the spice blend with its rich, aromatic profile.
Cayenne pepper: Controls the heat—adjust depending on your tolerance.
Garlic powder: For savory depth that blends seamlessly.
Onion powder: Adds sweet, savory undertones to the rub.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild kick and complexity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak the heat level depending on who's coming over—sometimes dial it down for the little ones, other times I add an extra pinch of cayenne for my spice-loving friends. This recipe is flexible, so make it as fiery or mild as you like!

Variation: For a smoky twist, I've tried using liquid smoke in the marinade and it adds that authentic BBQ vibe when you’re missing the grill.
Spice Swap: If you can't find allspice, use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg as a backup in a pinch.
Marination Time: For deeper flavor, I sometimes let the chicken marinate overnight—it really makes the spices sing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding a silver fork, pressing its four tines into raw, pale pink chicken skin on a light wooden cutting board. The chicken piece is slightly raised by the fork, displaying smooth, shiny texture with gentle folds. Other raw chicken pieces are blurred in the background. The scene is lit softly with natural light, focused tightly on the contact point of fork and chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 425°F and position your rack in the lower middle. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the skin crisps up beautifully without burning.

Step 2: Mix the Spice Rub

In a bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, dried thyme, allspice, smoked paprika, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it forms a fragrant, slightly sticky paste. The smell here is already getting me excited!

Step 3: Prep the Chicken

Use paper towels to pat the chicken legs completely dry—this step helps the skin crisp up in the oven. Then, use a fork to poke small holes all over each piece; this helps the marinade penetrate more deeply.

Step 4: Rub it In

Here’s a personal tip: get your hands in there and spread that spice mixture beneath the skin as far as you can, and also coat the top thoroughly. This isn’t just about flavor on the surface—it’s about locking in moisture and seasoning every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the chicken on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet with space between pieces. For smaller legs, bake for about 40 minutes; bigger ones might need up to 50 minutes. You want a beautiful brown crust and cooked-through meat without drying it out.

Once out of the oven, I love to serve the chicken with the pan drippings spooned over for an extra punch of flavor.

Top Tip

After making this Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe a few dozen times, I’ve learned some little things that really make all the difference for your success.

Under-the-Skin Magic: Don’t be shy about rubbing those spices underneath the skin—it’s how you get the deepest flavor and juiciest meat.
Dry Skin, Crispy Skin: Make sure the chicken is nice and dry before applying the rub. Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin.
Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: It helps catch all those delicious drippings, which you can then spoon over your chicken or serve with sides.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between chicken legs to allow hot air to circulate so you get even cooking and beautiful browning.

How to Serve Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Jamaican Jerk Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh scallions and a squeeze of lime over the finished chicken—that touch of brightness cuts through the richness and amps up the freshness in every bite.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats pairing this with classic Caribbean-style sides like coconut rice and peas, fried plantains, or a crisp green salad. I especially love creamy mashed sweet potatoes alongside for a sweet-spicy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I like serving the chicken on a vibrant platter with colorful veggies and edible flowers. Or, slice the meat off the bone for a beautiful jerk chicken salad tossed with mango and avocado—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store my leftover jerk chicken in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays flavorful and juicy for up to 3 days. Reheating gently helps keep that beautiful moisture intact.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. I wrap portions tightly in foil and place them in freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or air fryer to revive that crispy skin.

Reheating

To keep the skin crispy, I reheat chicken in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the skin soggy, so I avoid it if I can.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How spicy is this Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe?

This recipe packs a moderate heat thanks to the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust it by adding less cayenne for milder heat, or more if you like a real kick. The other spices provide warmth without overwhelming the palate.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe because they’re similarly juicy and flavorful. You might need to adjust baking time slightly depending on size—just cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

Not at all! This Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe is designed so you can make it with a quick 10-minute prep and bake right away. But letting it marinate overnight does deepen the flavor if you have the time.

What should I serve with this jerk chicken?

Classic pairings include coconut rice and peas, fried plantains, and fresh salads. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting meal. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that’s just plain fun to make and enjoy with friends or family. Its rich layers of flavor and hands-off baking method make it a recipe you'll come back to again and again. Once you try it, I’m certain it’ll find a special place in your weekly dinner rotation like it did in mine.