Marinate the chicken overnight and grill it low over pimento (allspice) wood or with a foil pouch of allspice berries on the coals, so the smoke, not just the spice, does the work. Rushing it over high heat scorches the sugar and skips the smoke that makes jerk taste like jerk.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook1 hr
Makes6 servings
CuisineJamaican
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Chicken
Bone-in leg quarters hold up to the long, low smoke without drying.
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Grill
The Method
Pound the marinadeBlend or pound the scotch bonnet, allspice, thyme, scallion, ginger, and soy into a thick wet paste. Keep it coarse, not smooth.
Marinate overnightScore the chicken, rub the paste deep under and over the skin, and refrigerate at least 12 hr, ideally overnight.
Set a low fireBank the coals to one side for indirect heat and drop in pimento wood chips or a foil pouch of pierced allspice berries to make smoke.
Smoke it slowLay the chicken skin-up on the cool side, cover, and smoke at low heat about 1 hr, turning once, until the crust is dark and the meat pulls from the bone.
Chop and serveRest 10 min, then hack into pieces across the bone the island way and serve with the charred edges intact.
Can you make Jamaican Jerk Chicken in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Jamaican Jerk Chicken? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Jamaican Jerk Chicken ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Jamaican Jerk Chicken gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
Is Jamaican Jerk Chicken vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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