Craving bold, smoky island flavour without firing up the grill? This Jerk Chicken Recipe Oven brings all the heat, spice, and juicy tenderness of traditional Jamaican jerk right from your kitchen oven. With a marinade packed full of aromatics like allspice, thyme, scallions, and Scotch bonnet peppers, each bite delivers a fiery-sweet flavour explosion that’s authentic and unforgettable.
Jerk chicken is traditionally prepared over pimento wood, using an open flame in a pan-style barbecue pit, and is becoming increasingly one of Jamaica’s most iconic dishes. But fear not, our oven-baked version is just as beautifully charred and full of locked-in flavour, thanks to high-heat roasting followed by a quick broil to produce tender, succulent flesh and crispy skin. Whether you’re working with drumsticks, thighs, or whole legs, the results here are spicy, savoury, and insanely addictive.
Great for weeknights, Caribbean-themed cookouts, or explosive meal prep, this Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken recipe roars with big flavour and no grill required. Marinate, roast, and enjoy a little taste of the islands from the comfort of your own home!

👇 Ready to bring the bold flavors of Jamaica straight to your kitchen?
This oven-baked Jerk Chicken is spicy, juicy, and packed with island heat.
Scroll down for the full recipe; it’s easier than you think and wildly delicious.
Let’s roast, broil, and bring the Caribbean vibes to your plate! 🔥🍗

Jerk Chicken Recipe Oven
Equipment
- 1 × Blender or Food Processor
- 1 × Baking Dish or Sheet Pan
- 1 × Meat Thermometer
- 1 × Tongs
- 1 × Oven
Ingredients
- Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks bone-in, skin-on
- Jerk Marinade
- 3 green onions scallions, chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers seeds removed for less heat
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Add all marinade ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over chicken and massage to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange marinated chicken on the prepared sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Char: For that signature charred finish, broil the chicken for an additional 3–5 minutes, watching carefully.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with rice and peas, grilled plantains, or mango salsa.
Notes
- For less heat, use just 1 chili or replace with jalapeño.
- This marinade also works great on shrimp or pork.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days;perfect for meal prep or wraps.


Share Your Twist on Oven-Baked Jerk Chicken!
Did you tone down the heat for the kids or crank it up with extra Scotch bonnets? Maybe you used boneless thighs for quicker cooking or added pineapple glaze for a sweet twist?
At Oooh Delish, we love seeing your flavorful spins, whether you kept it classic or added your own fiery flair!
📸 Snap a pic of your jerk chicken creation and tag us with #OoohDelishTwist , your twist might be featured on our page!
💌 Got a family marinade or a clever technique? Email it to contact@ooohdelish.com and we may share it with full credit to you!
Let your flavor imagination run wild; jerk it your way! 🔥🍗🌶️

FAQs: Jerk Chicken Recipe Oven
Can I make jerk chicken less spicy?
Yes! Reduce or omit Scotch bonnet peppers and add a bit more brown sugar or lime juice to balance the heat.
How long should I marinate jerk chicken?
At least 2 hours is recommended, but overnight marinating (8–24 hours) gives the deepest flavor.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. Boneless thighs or breasts work well—just reduce the baking time by about 10–15 minutes.
What should I serve with jerk chicken?
It pairs well with rice and peas, plantains, coleslaw, or mango salsa for a refreshing contrast.
Can I freeze jerk chicken?
Yes! Freeze cooked jerk chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to retain moisture.
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