Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks, the Jamaican classic, are easy to make at home and you can control the heat levels. However, at least some heat is necessary because otherwise, it just wouldn't be Jerk.
What is Jerk?
Jerk is a Jamaican barbecue, and sometimes called Jamaica's national dish. The word "Jerk" is both a dish and a cooking method. It refers to meat, usually chicken, marinated in lime, spices and hot peppers, then cooked on a barbecue grill or fire pit. In Jamaica, jerk chicken, or pork, is everywhere from roadside stands to the finest restaurants from one end of the island to the other.
If you can't take the heat......
Then you're looking at the wrong recipe. The defining characteristic of Jamaican jerk is the smoky heat, largely due to the addition of Scotch bonnet chiles. The Scotch Bonnet is up there at the top of the Scoville scale, which is a measurement of heat in peppers. A Scotch bonnet chile measures between 100,000 and 350,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). That's pretty hot when you consider that the jalapeno measures between 1,000 and 10,000 SHU.
This Jerk Chicken Recipe is "Mild"
I used only one Scotch bonnet chile in this recipe, so while it definitely packs some heat, it's still not overly hot. Some Jamaican recipes that I have seen contain many more peppers, and if you're still reading, you aren't spice adverse, so feel free to use more. Although this was delicious, the next time I make it, I'll use two peppers. However, if you aren't sure, I would advise sticking to just the one.
How to Cook Jerk Chicken
This is a grilled jerk chicken recipe, so obviously, it's cooked over a grill. Although you can roast it in the oven, grilling is best for the most authentic flavour, and those lovely char marks. Any chicken pieces will work, but I like to use drumsticks because they stay moist and juicy when grilled. For more delicious grilled chicken recipes, try Grilled Harissa Chicken Drumsticks, Grilled Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breasts, or Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
What to serve with Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
You can serve a simple, cooling salad with this chicken, or you can make the whole meal Jamaican, and serve it with Coconut Red Beans & Rice like I did here. Plenty of lime wedges and a frosty beverage, along with napkins are also requirements.
Love Jerk? Try this Jerk Chicken Salad, too! And be sure to try my easy Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Blend on salmon, pork tenderloin, shrimp, corn on the cob, or roasted veggies.
Recipe
Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Grill
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet chile
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 lime juice of
- 1 2" piece fresh ginger peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 12 chicken drumsticks
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except the chicken in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Put the chicken into a re-sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal the bag and massage it to make sure all of the chicken is covered. Refrigerate overnight or 6-8 hours
- Heat barbecue grill to high and spray with cooking spray
- Remove drumsticks from marinade and transfer to a platter. Discard marinade.
- Place chicken drumsticks on the grill and allow to sear, about 2 minutes per side.
- Turn grill heat to low, close the lid and grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until internal temperature at the thickest part of the drumstick reads 170°, about 40 minutes. Serve hot, with lime wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Terri
I love heat so these are definitely in my Bbq menu plan. And that coconut red beans and rice sounds like the perfect pairing😋
Colleen
Enjoy, Terri! These are so good!
Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking
I love some heat, so I think I can handle the jerk spice! And love the char marks from the grilling! It's been a few weeks since we've grilled some chicken (I've been on a turkey burger and shrimp kick), but these drummies are making me crave some chicken for dinner tonight! Happy Friday Colleen!
Colleen
Thanks Leanne, I love using drums for the grill, they turn out so good. Enjoy!
Elaine
Love these! Bring on the heat. I also like your suggestions for what to serve it with, especially the frosty beverage. Our mouths need cooling after a delicious dish like this one!
Colleen
Hi Elaine, yes bring on the heat!
Lisa
These look so good, Colleen! And I bet they'd be really tasty cold, too!
Colleen
Thanks Lisa! I can attest that they are still yummy when cold. 🙂
Lathiya
The grilled chicken drumsticks look lip-smacking. I can imagine my kids devouring it licking their fingers. will try.
Colleen
Hi Lathiya, let me know how they turn out for you!
Joss
I love the heat from the jerk spice in this recipe, the drumsticks turn out great on the bbq!
Colleen
Hi Joss, if you love the heat from Jerk spices, these drums are perfect for you!
Ramona
I have said to many times before I will be making a nice jerk chicken on BBQ but never got to. I am saving this recipe now and cannot wait to make these drumsticks next BBQ - they look soooo good!
Colleen
Hi Ramona! You are going to love this Jerk chicken. It's seriously so delicious!
Jacqueline Debono
I have never tried Jerk seasoning but it sounds great. I'm definitely a spicy food fan so this would be right up my street! Going to pin for later!
Colleen
Hi Jacqueline! If you are a spicy food fan, I know that you will love jerk! Enjoy 🙂