Description
This Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken recipe is a flavor-packed dish that brings the spicy heat of jerk seasoning together with the sweetness of pineapple. Marinated in a blend of traditional Jamaican flavors, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and juicy chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 3–4 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix)
Jerk Seasoning Blend:
- 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Sauce:
- 3 scotch bonnet peppers (seeded for less heat)
- ½ red onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 scallions, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 small carrot, chopped
- 1 teaspoon whole pimento (allspice) seeds
- ¼ cup water
Optional:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Garnish:
- Extra pineapple chunks
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Lime wedges
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and rub with jerk seasoning. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make Sauce: Blend scotch bonnet peppers, onion, garlic, scallions, vinegar, salt, pepper, ginger, pineapple, soy sauce, sugar, carrot, pimento seeds, and water until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Pour sauce over chicken and ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Bake Chicken: Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Final Touch: Optionally glaze with BBQ sauce, broil for a smoky finish, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor.
- Adjust pepper variety for preferred heat level.
- Broiling adds a smoky touch to the dish.
- Great with coconut rice or fried plantains.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional overnight marination)
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican / Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 554
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1104 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
