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For the perfect Jerk Grilled Chicken we take Jerk Seasoning and grill chicken over charcoal for wood fire flavor. This is an easy way to elevate chicken flavor with a little heat and aromatic flavors.
Chicken is the most consumed meat in the United States and expected to continue that trend for the next decade. But while chicken may sometimes seem boring, the better way to look at it is like a blank canvas. You can do so many things to elevate this piece of meat! And there is no better way to enjoy chicken than on the grill with a jerk inspired seasoning.
Table of Contents
What is Jerk Grilled Chicken?
If you’re somebody who enjoys heat, like really hot chili heat, then grilled jerk chicken is perfect for you. Based In Jamaica and around the Caribbean, jerk chicken is a common way chicken is prepared.
While you can cook it in the oven, for the purest flavor, and those exquisite char marks, grilling is ideal. The right grilled jerk chicken recipe packs a punch with perfect symmetry between heat and flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken – When grilling chicken we like to use a combination of chicken thighs and chicken drumsticks. The dark meat chars well. You can also use chicken breast.
- Olive Oil – This helps as a binder for the seasoning
- Jerk Seasoning – A combination of aromatics, heat, and savory flavors go into our jerk seasoning. It has some heat. Alternatively you can buy pre-mixed seasoning in most finer grocery stores.
If you prefer a marinade you can use our jerk chicken marinade recipe and then season with the rub after the wet marinade.
Preparation + Seasoning
If you buy bone-in thighs, trim any excess fat off that hangs over the side with a good boning knife. The drumsticks won’t need much trimming at all. Season the meat 24 hours prior to cooking, also known as a dry brine. This extra time allows the salt and some of the flavor to get into the meat in what is referred to as a dry brine.
- Coat the chicken with extra virgin olive oil.
- Liberally season with the jerk seasoning. We use 1/4 cup of seasoning for every four individual cuts of chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken into a gallon-size plastic bag and close. Just prior to closing all the way, squeeze out as much excess air as you can.
- Place in the refrigerator and allow to dry brine for 24 hours.
How to Cook Jerk Grilled Chicken
- Prepare grill for two-zone method of grilling using lump charcoal (briquettes are fine too). Before adding chicken to grill grate be sure the grates have warmed up for at least 5 minutes with cover of grill on.
- When grill is at target temperature of 450 degrees and the grate is hot, place the chicken over direct heat. Grill for 3 minutes (covered), or until the chicken has a nice sear.
- Flip the chicken and grill direct for another 3 minutes (covered), or until you see a nice crust form.
- Move chicken to indirect heat and continue grilling (covered), until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant read thermometer. Remove the chicken and let rest for 10 minutes to allow carry over cooking to occur and bring the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 175 – 180 degrees.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
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Temperature Tool – Be sure to have a good instant read thermometer when grilling. We have been using the Thermoworks Thermapen One for years.
Gas Grill Modification – Use the same method of two-zone grilling. Simply lowering the burner makes the internal grill temperature lower.
Chicken Breasts – If you are using the same recipe for chicken breasts, follow the same process. Pull the chicken breasts when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Chef’s Tip
For those who think removing your meat prior to grilling to come to room temperature should happen, the reality is that it doesn’t materially change the internal temperature of the meat.
Allowing the meat to rest at room temperature will actually increase the likelihood of bacterial growth. A hot direct flame will still perform as well with chicken that comes straight from the brine bag.
Other Seasoning Recipes
Any of these seasonings would also be great with this recipe also.
Side Ideas for Jerk Grilled Chicken
About Vindulge
Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.
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Jerk Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone in chicken thighs, trimmed
- 4 pieces bone in chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup Jerk Seasoning
Instructions
- 24 hours prior to grilling, coat the chicken in olive oil and then liberally season with the jerk seasoning. Place in a plastic baggie and let dry brine for 24 hours.
- Prepare grill for two-zone method of grilling using lump charcoal (briquettes are fine too). Before adding chicken to grill grate be sure the grates have warmed up for at least 5 minutes with cover of grill on.
- When grill is at target temperature of 450 degrees and the grate is hot, place the chicken over direct heat. Grill for 3 minutes covered, or until the chicken has a nice sear.
- Flip the chicken and grill direct for another 3 minutes covered, or until you see a nice crust form.
- Move chicken to indirect heat and continue grilling covered, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken and let rest for 10 minutes to allow carry over cooking to occur and bring the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 175 – 180 degrees.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a great recipe with the savory and heat from the spice rub. Great to partner with a marinade too.