Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken

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Bring bold Caribbean flavor to your kitchen with this easy oven-baked jerk chicken—perfectly seasoned, juicy, and packed with heat and spice in every bite!

Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken

If you love bold, spicy Caribbean flavors, this easy oven-baked jerk chicken recipe is going to be your new favorite! Traditional Caribbean jerk chicken is famous for its smoky, spicy blend of herbs and seasonings but you don’t need a grill or hours in the kitchen to enjoy that same authentic flavor.

This version is simple, flavorful, and baked right in your oven , making it perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners. My homemade jerk marinade comes together in minutes using pantry staples like allspice, thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet (or your favorite hot pepper). It transforms everyday chicken into a juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned meal that tastes straight out of the islands.

I love finishing it with a drizzle of pineapple jerk sauce for a sweet-spicy kick—it pairs perfectly with rice and peas , roasted veggies, or even on its own for true Caribbean comfort.

What makes this recipe special? The crispy skin , juicy meat , and perfect balance of heat and flavor . Plus, it’s family-friendly —just enough spice to please adults, but not too much for the kids. It’s also a great option for meal prep or weeknight dinners when you’re craving a taste of home without spending hours cooking.

Love this recipe? Be sure to check out some of my other Caribbean favorites on the blog, like my Jamaican Escovitch Fish , Roasted Pineapple Habanero Chicken , Guyanese Chicken Curry , and Salmon & Scallop Rasta Pasta !

Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken

Marinate overnight for a deeper, richer flavor! The longer the chicken soaks inthe marinade, the better it tastes. I highly recommend letting it sit overnight for the best results.

Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe 

  • Bold & Authentic Caribbean Flavor: Thanks to the perfect blend of pimento, thyme, and browning sauce.

  • Oven-Baked & Hassle-Free: No need for outdoor grilling—just marinate, bake, and enjoy!

  • Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy all week!

  • Pairs Well with Everything: Serve it with rice & peas, steamed cabbage, or fried plantains for a true Caribbean meal.

Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken

 FAQ: Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken

  1. Which store-bought version is best?

    My go-to store-bought jerk seasoning is Walkerswood — it just has that authentic, bold Jamaican flavor I love, but if you can’t find it, Grace is a great backup option.

  2. How long should I marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can still give good results.

  3. What should I serve with jerk chicken? Classic sides include rice and peas, fried plantains, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it with a side of festival (Jamaican fried dough).

  4. Can I make jerk chicken in the air fryer? Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. It’s a quicker way to get crispy, flavorful chicken.

  5. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quicker option.

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My name is Tiffany, face and photographer behind FoodieNotaChef.

I created this food Blog to showcase Afro-Caribbean infused recipes and so much more! 

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Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chickenrating

Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken

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Prep time: 20 minutes

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Cook time: 45-50 minutes

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Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

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Description

This Easy Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken brings the rich, smoky, and spicy flavors of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen—without the hassle of grilling! Made with a simple yet flavorful jerk marinade, this dish delivers crispy skin and juicy, tender meat with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 5 chicken leg quarters
  • 1 Lemon or Lime

For the Marinade:

  • 4 tbsp Store-bought jerk seasoning (mild or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp Onion powder
  • 2 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Thyme leaves
  • 2 Stalk of Scallions
  • 2 tbsp Pimento seeds
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Browning sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Water (for blending marinade)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. 1Start by rinsing the chicken leg quarters with lime or vinegar water then patting them dry with paper towel. Using a knife, score the chicken (make small cuts) to help the seasoning soak in. Important: Be sure to wipe down all surfaces with a kitchen disinfectant spray afterwards.

Step 2: Make the Jerk Marinade

  1. 1In a blender or food processor, blend together Jerk seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, scallions, pimento seeds, olive oil, browning sauce, salt, and water until smooth.
Step 2 Image 1

Step 3: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

  1. 1Massage the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and into the cuts for maximum flavor. Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet with foil or a wire rack over a tray for even cooking.
  3. 3Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
  4. 4Optional: For extra char and smokiness, broil for the last 5 minutes or grill over an open flame for a few minutes.
Step 4 Image 1

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. 1Enjoy this delicious oven-baked jerk chicken on its own, drizzle with pineapple jerk sauce for extra flavor, or pair it with classic sides like rice and peas, festival, or steamed cabbage.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated-Fat: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
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Category: Traditional Afro-Caribbean RecipesQuick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Keywords:

Easy jerk chicken, oven-baked jerk chicken, Caribbean chicken recipe, spicy chicken, weeknight dinner, meal prep, jerk marinade, baked chicken thighs, Jamaican-inspired recipe, family-friendly dinner, bold flavors, quick and easy, no-fuss meal.
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