Best 10 Grilled Jerk Chicken Thighs Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Grilled jerk chicken thighs are a tantalizing culinary delight that fuse the fiery flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning with the smoky essence of grilling. Originating from the vibrant Caribbean island of Jamaica, jerk cuisine has captivated taste buds worldwide with its unique blend of aromatic spices, herbs, and fiery peppers. This tantalizing dish promises an explosion of flavors, where the succulent chicken thighs, marinated in a vibrant jerk paste, are grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, slightly charred exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of creating the perfect grilled jerk chicken thighs, a dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Jamaica.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GRILLED JERK CHICKEN THIGHS



Grilled Jerk Chicken Thighs image

Spicy, sweet, and aromatic jerk chicken made simple in this recipe. Serve with black beans and rice if desired.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 2h26m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 green onions, roughly chopped
2 habanero peppers, stemmed
1 clove garlic
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon thyme

Steps:

  • Place chicken in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Combine green onions, habanero peppers, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, and thyme in a food processor; pulse until smooth. Pour mixture over chicken in the bag, seal, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Remove chicken from the bag and discard marinade. Grill chicken until it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 16 minutes, turning chicken about halfway. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7.6 g, Cholesterol 127.7 mg, Fat 22.7 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 36.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 337.8 mg, Sugar 4.1 g

CHICKEN CUTLETS WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO CREAM SAUCE



Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce image

Though a chicken cutlet may be a chicken breast cut in half, this recipe shows how to make chicken cutlets with double the deliciousness. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes does double duty for this healthy dinner recipe. The flavorful oil they're packed in is used to sauté the chicken, and the tomatoes go into the cream sauce.

Provided by Carolyn Malcoun

Categories     Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound chicken cutlets
¼ teaspoon salt, divided
¼ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, plus 1 tablespoon oil from the jar
½ cup finely chopped shallots
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Sprinkle chicken with 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
  • Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165 degrees F, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes and shallots to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  • Increase heat to high and add wine. Cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to medium and stir in cream, any accumulated juices from the chicken and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper; simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the pan and turn to coat with the sauce. Serve the chicken topped with the sauce and parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Cholesterol 96.6 mg, Fat 18.9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 249.5 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

GRILLED JERK CHICKEN



Grilled Jerk Chicken image

Spicy, smoky and aromatic, Jerk chicken is Jamaica's most iconic dish.

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 small yellow onion, cut into large chunks
2 scallions, quartered
2 Scotch bonnet or Habanero chili peppers, stemmed (and seeded, if desired; see note) and roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2½ to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks or breasts)
Lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Make the marinade: In the bowl of a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except for the chicken. Process until the vegetables are finely puréed and the mixture is relatively smooth (the texture will be slightly gritty). Place the chicken pieces and the marinade in a large Ziploc bag; squeeze air out and seal tightly. Mash the chicken around to coat evenly with the marinade. Place the bag in a bowl (in case of leakage) and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.
  • Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350-375°F). Clean and oil the cooking grate. Place the chicken, skin side up, on the cooler side of the grill and cook, covered, turning and moving occasionally to prevent burning and flare-ups, for 35 to 40 minutes. If the skin is not yet crispy, move the chicken, skin side down, to the hotter side of the grill; cook, keeping a close watch to prevent burning, until the skin is rendered and crisp, a few minutes. Transfer the chicken to serving platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges.
  • Note: Be very careful when working with Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. They are extremely hot, and if you touch your eyes while handling them, it will be very painful. It's a good idea to wear disposable gloves or wash your hands very well when done. The heat comes from the seeds and membranes, so throw in the whole peppers for spicy jerk chicken. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes from one or both of the peppers.
  • Note: If you don't have a grill (or grilling weather) the chicken can be roasted in the oven instead. Preheat the oven to 425°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, and set an oven-proof rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken on the rack, skin side up, and roast until lightly browned and cooked through, 40 to 45 minutes. Turn on broiler (leave the pan on the middle rack), and cook 1 to 3 minutes more, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition Facts :

GRILLED JERK CHICKEN



Grilled Jerk Chicken image

Jerk refers to a dry seasoning blend that originated in the Caribbean and that includes spices like allspice, ginger and cinnamon and a blend of peppers. It'll have your tastebuds feeling warm all over. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 teaspoons curry powder
4 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons ground ginger
3 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
4 bone-in chicken breast halves with skin (8 ounces each)
4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1-1/2 pounds)

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; rub over chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Grill the chicken, covered, over indirect medium heat for 30-40 minutes or until a thermometer reaches 165° for chicken breasts and 170°-175° for thighs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1 chicken breast half and 1 thigh equals 444 calories, Fat 21 g fat (6 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 167 mg cholesterol, Sodium 741 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6 g carbohydrate, Fiber 3 g fiber, Protein 56 g protein.

JERK RUBBED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH HOME-MADE MANGO-HABANERO HOT SAUCE



Jerk Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Home-Made Mango-Habanero Hot Sauce image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h26m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons ground ginger
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cayenne powder
2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
2 teaspoons dry thyme
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
8 chicken thighs
Sliced fresh mango
Homemade Mango Habanero Sauce, recipe follows
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small Spanish onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped
1 habanero, chopped
1 cup white wine vinegar
Salt

Steps:

  • Combine all spices in a small bowl. Rub the skin side of the chicken with the rub and let rest for 30 minutes. Heat the grill to medium heat and grill the thighs, skin side down for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn the chicken, close the cover of the grill and move the chicken to the side (or cooler part) of the grill. Continue cooking for 6 to 7 minutes or until completely cooked through. Remove to a platter and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve fresh mango slices and Mango-Habanero Hot Sauce. Sprinkle leaves of cilantro on top.
  • Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, mangoes, habanero and vinegar and cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Place the mixture in a blender and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a few tablespoons of warm water or vinegar. Season with salt.

GRILLED CARIBBEAN CHICKEN THIGHS



Grilled Caribbean Chicken Thighs image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed (about 3 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup mango nectar or tropical orange juice blend
Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for serving
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon jarred jerk seasoning paste
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
3 Japanese eggplants (about 1 1/4 pounds), sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 mango, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup basil leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill to medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Combine the mango nectar, lime juice, honey, soy sauce and 1 teaspoon jerk paste in a large bowl. Add the chicken; rub to coat.
  • Remove the chicken to a plate; brush with olive oil. Transfer the sauce mixture to a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; simmer until slightly thickened, 7 minutes. Keep warm over low heat.
  • Meanwhile, transfer the chicken skin-side up to the grill, cover and cook until browned, about 15 minutes. Flip and grill until the skin is browned and crisp and the chicken is cooked through, 5 to 7 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  • Combine the olive oil and remaining 2 teaspoons jerk paste in a small bowl. Brush the eggplants with the jerk oil and season with salt. Grill until marked and tender, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a large bowl and add the mango, scallions and basil; season with salt and pepper. Pour the warm sauce over the chicken and serve with the eggplant-mango salad and lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 762 calorie, Fat 44 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Cholesterol 265 milligrams, Sodium 376 milligrams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 50 grams

MISS OLLIE'S JERK CHICKEN



Miss Ollie's Jerk Chicken image

Classic jerk chicken is grilled over pimento wood. If you want to order some online, we salute you. Everybody else: Hardwood or briquettes will have to do.

Provided by Sarah Kirnon

Categories     Bon Appétit     Chicken     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Spice     Chile Pepper     Hot Pepper     Garlic     Dinner     Summer     Rum     Chive     Fourth of July     Juneteenth

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 bunch chives, cut into 1-inch pieces
4-8 Scotch bonnet chiles or habanero chiles
5 garlic cloves, crushed
3/4 cup malt vinegar
3/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Jamaican rum
2 tablespoons Diamond Crystal or 1 tablespoon Morton kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
8 pieces skin-on, bone-in chicken legs (about 6 pounds total), drumsticks and thighs separated, patted dry
Vegetable oil (for grill)

Steps:

  • Blend chives, chiles, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, rum, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves in a blender until smooth. Place chicken in a large bowl and pour jerk marinade over. Turn thighs and drumsticks several times to coat. Cover and chill, turning chicken pieces once, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
  • Remove chicken from marinade, wiping off any excess, and let come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Discard marinade.
  • Prepare grill for 2-zone heat (for a charcoal grill, bank two-thirds of coals on one half of grill and scatter remaining coals over other side; for a gas grill, set one burner to high heat and the remaining burners to medium-low heat). Lightly brush grate with oil. Arrange chicken drumsticks and thighs, skin side down, on grate over hottest part of grill and grill, turning halfway through, until lightly charred, 5-10 minutes. Move chicken to cooler part of grill and continue to grill, turning several times, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 20-25 minutes longer.
  • Transfer chicken to a platter and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

GRILLED THIGHS AND DRUMSTICKS



Grilled Thighs and Drumsticks image

When Mom makes chicken, this is the way we like it prepared. It's juicy, has great barbecue flavor and makes a big batch, so it's perfect for a summer picnic and family reunions. -Brenda Beachy Belvidere, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups water
2 cups cider vinegar
2 cups ketchup
1 cup canola oil
4 tablespoons salt
3 tablespoons prepared mustard
4-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke, optional
10 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and chicken drumsticks
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Pour into two large resealable plastic bags; add equal amounts of chicken to each bag. Seal bags and turn to coat; refrigerate overnight., Drain and discard marinade. Prepare grill for indirect heat. Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. , Sprinkle chicken with seasoned salt. Grill chicken skin side down, covered, over indirect medium heat for 15-20 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°-175°.

Nutrition Facts :

GRILLED JERK CHICKEN



Grilled Jerk Chicken image

How to Make Grilled Jerk Chicken

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

For jerk marinade:
3 scallions, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
4 to 5 fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero chile, stemmed and seeded
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons black pepper
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For chicken:
4 chicken breast halves with skin and bones (3 pounds), halved crosswise
2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks
Accompaniment: papaya salsa

Steps:

  • Make marinade:
  • Blend all marinade ingredients in a blender until smooth.
  • Marinate and grill chicken:
  • Divide chicken pieces and marinade between 2 sealable plastic bags. Seal bags, pressing out excess air, then turn bags over several times to distribute marinade. Put bags of chicken in a shallow pan and marinate, chilled, turning once or twice, 1 day.
  • Let chicken stand at room temperature 1 hour before cooking.
  • To cook chicken using a charcoal grill:
  • Open vents on bottom of grill and on lid. Light a large chimney of charcoal briquettes (about 100) and pour them evenly over 1 side of bottom rack (you will have a double or triple layer of charcoal).
  • When charcoal turns grayish white and you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds, sear chicken in batches on lightly oiled rack over coals until well browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per batch. Move chicken as seared to side of grill with no coals underneath, then cook, covered with lid, until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes more.
  • To cook chicken using a gas grill:
  • Preheat burners on high, then adjust heat to moderate. Cook chicken until well browned on all sides, 15 to 20 minutes. Adjust heat to low and cook chicken, covered with lid, until cooked through, about 25 minutes more.
  • Serve chicken with salsa.

JERK CHICKEN



Jerk Chicken image

Done right, jerk chicken is one of the great barbecue traditions of the world, up there with Texas brisket and Chinese char siu. It is Jamaica to the bone, aromatic and smoky, sweet but insistently hot. All of its traditional ingredients grow in the island's lush green interior: fresh ginger, thyme and scallions; Scotch bonnet peppers; and the sweet wood of the allspice tree, which burns to a fragrant smoke. "It's not a sauce, it's a procedure," Jerome Williams, a Jamaican-born Brooklyn resident, told The Times in 2008 on a Sunday in Prospect Park, where families arrive as early as 6 a.m. for lakeside grilling spots, a few of which are actually authorized by the parks department. "It has to be hot, but it cannot only be hot, or you get no joy from it." This recipe delivers that joy.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     dinner, lunch, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 3 1/2- to 4-pound chickens, quartered, or 8 whole legs, or 5 to 6 pounds bone-in, skin-on thighs
1 large bunch scallions (about 8), white and green parts
2 shallots, peeled and halved
4 to 6 Scotch bonnet chili peppers, stems removed, or habaneros
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tablespoon dried
2 tablespoons ground allspice, more for sprinkling
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt, more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
Freshly squeezed juice of 2 limes

Steps:

  • At least 1 day before cooking, pat chicken dry with paper towels. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and grind to a coarse paste. Slather all over chicken, including under skin. Refrigerate 12 to 36 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking and lightly sprinkle with more salt and ground allspice.
  • Prepare a charcoal grill: Clean and oil grates, and preheat to medium heat using one chimney of charcoal. The temperature can start as high as 300 degrees and go as low as 250. For best results, coals should be at least 12 inches away from chicken. If necessary, push coals to one side of grill to create indirect heat. Add two large handfuls of soaked pimento (allspice) wood sticks and chips (see note) or other aromatic wood chips to coals, then close grill. When thick white smoke billows from grill, place chicken on grate, skin side up, and cover. Let cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes.
  • Uncover grill. Chicken will be golden and mahogany in places. Chicken thighs may already be cooked through. For other cuts, turn chicken over and add more wood chips, and charcoal if needed. Cover and continue cooking, checking and turning every 10 minutes. Jerk chicken is done when skin is burnished brown and chicken juices are completely clear, with no pink near the bone. For large pieces, this can take up to an hour. Serve hot or warm, with rice and beans.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 790, UnsaturatedFat 40 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 55 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 429 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Use a flavorful marinade: The marinade is what gives jerk chicken its signature flavor. Be sure to use a marinade that is packed with spices and herbs, such as allspice, thyme, scallions, and scotch bonnet peppers. If you have time, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.
  • Cook your chicken over medium heat: Jerk chicken should be cooked over medium heat so that it has time to develop a nice crust and cook through evenly. If you cook your chicken over too high of heat, it will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside.
  • Use a grill or smoker: The best way to cook jerk chicken is over a grill or smoker. This will give your chicken a delicious smoky flavor. If you don't have a grill or smoker, you can also cook your chicken in the oven.
  • Serve your chicken with traditional Jamaican sides: Jerk chicken is traditionally served with Jamaican sides such as rice and peas, coleslaw, and fried plantains. These sides will help to balance out the spicy flavor of the jerk chicken.

Conclusion:

Jerk chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're grilling it in the backyard or cooking it in the oven, be sure to follow these tips to make the best jerk chicken you've ever had.

Related Topics