Jerk Chicken

Grilled Jerk Chicken topped with a fresh pepper salsa is bursting with flavor! Make it as a meal over rice or as an appetizer with fondue.

We have a restaurant in the Twin Cities called Redstone American Grill that has jerk chicken fondue on their appetizer menu. Ever since my daughter introduced me to it, I’ve been obsessed!

Since I am not able to get to that restaurant as often as I crave the appetizer, I decided to recreate the recipe so that I can eat it as often as I want. Today I’m sharing the Jerk Chicken recipe. The restaurant cuts it into bite-sized pieces for fondue, but it would be fabulous for a family meal served rice or on a salad.

How To Make Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Step One: Marinade

For this recipe, the chicken needs to be marinated for an hour before cooking it. Not only will this help to give the chicken lots of flavor, but vinegar will tenderize the chicken, and the oil will make it more moist.

Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and jerk seasoning in a small bowl.

Step Two: Marinate Chicken

Pour the Jamaican jerk marinade over boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in the fridge to marinate for one hour.

My favorite way to marinate chicken is to put it in a gallon-sized ziptop bag. Roll down the top of the bag so that it stays clean when you add the chicken and marinade.

Once you zip the top closed, it is easy to turn the chicken to cover all sides with the marinade without making a mess. When the chicken is done marinating, the bag can be thrown away!

Step Three: Salsa Ingredients

While the chicken is marinating, make the pepper salsa to serve on top of the chicken. This salsa adds so much flavor and is the perfect thing to complement the grilled chicken.

Thinly slice yellow and orange peppers and then chop them into smaller pieces. Slice green onions and add them to the bowl along with olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, and Jamaican jerk seasoning.

Step Four: Pepper Salsa

Mix up the salsa and store in the fridge until ready to use. This pepper salsa recipe would also be delicious on fish or tacos. It could be served as an appetizer with tortilla chips!

Step Five: Chicken

Grill the chicken over medium heat for 12-16 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.

I finally got a cast iron grill pan that I can use on my stovetop, and I already love it! It makes me wonder why I waited so long to get one. Now, I can grill chicken, steak, and burgers in the house during the winter instead of standing outside in the freezing cold.

Once the chicken is finished cooking, remove the salsa from the fridge and spoon it over the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is jerk seasoning? Jerk seasoning is also known as Jamaican jerk seasoning or Caribbean jerk seasoning. It is a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy ingredients. My local grocery store makes its own custom blend that includes garlic, onion, brown sugar, crushed red peppers, lime juice powder, pepper, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, and ginger!

2. Can I make jerk chicken in the oven instead of on the grill? Yes, bake it at 400˚F for 18-23 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.

3. Would this be good without the pepper salsa? Yes, you can make the chicken without the salsa, and it will still be delicious but not as flavorful.

4. What should I serve with jerk chicken? We love it dipped in smoked gouda fondue! It is also delicious with coconut rice, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables.

More Chicken Recipe

• Honey Garlic Chicken is a family favorite!
• Orange Chicken is ready in about 30 minutes.
• Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash is full of flavor!
• Southwest Chicken has a warm, smoky heat.