Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken with a Watkins Twist🍗 The products shown are for illustrative purposes😊

The Sizzle Behind Jamaican Jerk Chicken

When you think about summer grilling, there’s one dish that brings heat, spice, and deep-rooted tradition to the table: Jamaican Jerk Chicken. This bold and flavorful favorite is renowned worldwide for its distinctive smoky heat and intoxicating blend of herbs and spices. But where does it come from?

Jerk chicken originated in Jamaica, tracing back to the Maroons—enslaved Africans who escaped into the island’s mountainous interior. There, they blended their West African cooking techniques with native Taino ingredients and Caribbean flavors. Cooking meat over pimento wood with a marinade rich in local herbs and hot peppers, they birthed what we now know as jerk.

Today, we’re giving this dish a gourmet makeover using high-quality Watkins Organic Spices. Trust us, your taste buds are in for a joyride.

Why Watkins Spices Make the Difference

Watkins has been around since 1868, and for good reason: they deliver consistent, organic, award-winning spice blends. For this recipe, we’re turning up the flavor using:

• Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt – for pure, briny goodness

• Watkins Organic Ground Nutmeg – adding a sweet, warm depth

• Watkins Organic Thyme Leaves – a herbal must in jerk

• Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper – the classic kick

Optional bonus: Watkins Ground Cinnamon for a fragrant twist.

This combo creates a complex flavor profile that captures the heat and heart of traditional jerk chicken, with a refined, flavorful twist.

Note: Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I appreciate your support.

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or about 3 lbs assorted bone-in cuts)

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 medium onion, quartered

• 1 bunch scallions (green onions), chopped

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled

• 1–2 hot peppers (Scotch bonnet, habanero, or jalapeño), seeds optional

• Juice of 2 fresh limes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for umami depth)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt

• 1 teaspoon Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper

• 1 teaspoon Watkins Organic Thyme Leaves

• ½ teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon Watkins Pure ground cinnamon (optional but lovely)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the marinade. Combine garlic, onion, scallions, ginger, hot peppers, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce (if using), and brown sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Add Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon. Blend again to fully incorporate.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. For best results, marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Allow chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.

Grill chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a beautifully charred exterior and a juicy, fully cooked interior (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 4: Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime wedges and extra scallions for color and brightness.

The products shown are for illustrative purposes😊

Serving Suggestions

This Watkins-style Jerk Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Coconut rice or traditional rice & peas

• Grilled pineapple slices

• Mango slaw

• Fried plantains

• A cold Red Stripe beer (or lemonade if you’re keeping it chill)

Tips for Jerk Chicken Perfection

• Control the heat: If you’re heat-sensitive, remove seeds from the peppers or use milder chilies.

• Go for charcoal: For an authentic smoky flavor, consider charcoal grilling or adding wood chips to your cooking method.

• Double the batch: This chicken is even better the next day.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s all about balance. The fiery heat of the peppers is cooled by the sweetness of nutmeg and cinnamon. Watkins Thyme adds earthiness while lime brings brightness. The sea salt and black pepper keep everything grounded.

Every bite is juicy, herby, spicy, and slightly smoky. Thanks to Watkins’ premium organic spices, the flavor remains consistent and bold every time.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of culture, flavor, and spice. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something bold and new, this recipe hits all the right notes.

And hey, with Watkins spices in your pantry, your kitchen just got a whole lot more delicious.

So fire up the grill, grab some napkins, and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Hungry for more spice-packed inspiration? Stick around the blog for more Caribbean classics, Watkins-style.

Note: Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I appreciate your support.