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
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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
April
Ah, does it get any better than grilled jerk chicken, right? These look so good that my mouth is full of water now. Can't wait to grab a few!
Colleen
Hi April. Enjoy, these drums are yummy!
Mirlene
I have a weak spot for grilled chicken, everyone knows it. So I have been trying every recipe I find. Very excited to try yours now because it looks incredible!
Colleen
Mirlene, I don't blame you for loving grilled chicken, and I think you'll love this one. Enjoy!
Mikayla
Travelling to Jamaica and having authentic jerk is on my husbands and my bucket list, but I am so happy to make this at home now, no more waiting, we love spice so this is going to be an instant hit for sure!
Colleen
Hi Mikayla, You should definitely travel to Jamaica, it's so beautiful. But I'm happy that you don't have to wait to try jerk. This chicken can satisfy that craving for you!
dee
I love Jerk seasoning! I can't wait to try this drum stick recipe just so my fingers will get all spicy and delicious.
Colleen
You're going to love thee then, Dee! It's the best recipe for finger licking spicy good!
Cathleen @ a Taste of Madness
I have always wondered what jerk was but didn’t bother to look it up haha. Now I know!!
Drumsticks are one of my favourite ways to enjoy chicken!
Colleen
Hi Cathleen, so glad I could introduce you to jerk. I hope you give it a try, you'll be glad you did!
Vidya Narayan
They look amazing! Love the spices used. An easy recipe to try at home this grilling season!
Colleen
Hi Vidya, these drumsticks are so easy to do and so tasty. You should make them for sure!
Lesli
I love jerk seasoning and these drumsticks looks divine! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Colleen
Hi Lesli, It's a super easy and delicious recipe. Enjoy!
Jenni LeBaron
The way you've flavored these drumsticks is so fun! I love the mix of really spicy heat with the brown sugar sweetness and a little lime juice just to tame everything a bit and bring out the best flavors.
Colleen
Thanks Jenni! Jerk really is a fabulous balance of flavours.
Erika
Ooh yum! I could definitely take the heat. 🙂
Colleen
I'm with you there, Erika. Life needs a little spice! 🙂
Stine Mari
I love the charred look on these chicken drumsticks. And jerk is one of the best flavor combos for chicken I know, what a glorious recipe!
Colleen
I agree, Stine, jerk is so delicious for chicken!
Irina
Another best chicken recipe is going to my collection. I will make these drumsticks tonight!
Colleen
You're going to love this chicken, Irina! Enjoy!
Lisa Bryan
I'm such a fan of that spicy, Jamaican flavor. Can't wait to whip up this recipe!
Colleen
Hi Lisa, Jerk is such an amazing flavour. Enjoy!
Patty at Spoonabilities
These drumsticks looks so appetizing! I need to grill these up for dinner tonight!
Colleen
Great idea, you'll be glad you did, Patty!
Andrea Metlika
Now these are some awesome looking drumsticks. My family will eat these up.
Colleen
I think you & your family will love them, Andrea! Enjoy!
Jamie
I love all the fresh herbs and spices! It was so flavorful and my family loved it!
Colleen
Hi Jamie, so glad your family loved it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!