Fiery Homemade Jerk Chicken (or Tofu!)

Transport yourself to Jamaica! This jerk chicken (or tofu!) recipe uses my homemade jerk seasoning for an explosion of flavour. Spicy, aromatic, and easy! Get the recipe now.

May 25, 2025
By Kendra Thompson .

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Right then, let's dive into this amazing recipe!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever dreamt of sunshine and good vibes? honestly, the jerk seasoning in this recipe will whisk you away to jamaica, no plane ticket needed! it's like a spicy, fragrant hug for your taste buds.

Brief Overview

This jamaican jerk marinade recipe has roots deep in caribbean history, a fusion of cultures and flavors. making this delicious dish is fairly easy and takes about 2 hours minimum, but trust me, it is worth it!.

This recipe makes enough jerk marinade for 4-6 servings.

Main Benefits

This jamaican jerk dry rub recipe is packed with antioxidants and flavor. it's proper banging for a summer bbq or anytime you fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate.

What makes this dish amazing? it's dead easy to make, healthier than you think, and delivers that authentic jamaican jerk marinade flavor.

Right, enough chat, let's get to the good stuff, shall we?

Okay, mate! let's dive into the heart of our fiery homemade jerk chicken (or tofu!) recipe – the ingredients and gear you'll need to make this flavour bomb a reality.

This ain't your average sunday roast, but trust me, it's well worth the effort!

Fiery Homemade Jerk Chicken (or Tofu!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers, stemmed and seeded (or Habaneros if you can't find Scotch Bonnets), about 20g
• 6 Green Onions, roughly chopped, about 75g
• 4 cloves Garlic, peeled, about 16g
• 1-inch piece of Ginger, peeled and roughly chopped, about 15g
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce, 60ml
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil, 60ml
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar, packed, 25g
• 2 tablespoons Lime Juice, freshly squeezed, 30ml
• 1 tablespoon Ground Allspice, 8g
• 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme, 4g
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, 2g
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg, 1g
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves, 1g
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground, 2g
• 1 teaspoon Salt, 6g
• 2 lbs Chicken Pieces (legs, thighs, or bone-in breasts) about 900g OR 2 blocks Extra-Firm Tofu, pressed and cubed, about 900g
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (if pan-frying), 15ml

Instructions:

• Combine all jerk seasoning ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until a smooth paste forms.
• Place the chicken (or tofu) in a resealable bag or container. Pour the jerk seasoning over the chicken (or tofu), ensuring it's evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for 25-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken (in batches if necessary) and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Thread marinated tofu onto skewers (optional). Grill over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly charred and heated through.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly browned and heated through.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu (in batches if necessary) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and heated through.
• Let the chicken (or tofu) rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Ingredients Breakdown: Jerk Style

Main Players

Alright, here’s the lowdown on the main ingredients. These are what make or break authentic Jerk Marinade Recipes , so pay attention!

• Jerk Seasoning:

  • 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (about 20g ): Honestly, these bad boys are the real deal. Quality? They should be firm and have that unmistakable fruity smell. If you are looking for a milder version for this Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning Recipe you can use half habaneros instead,
  • 6 Green Onions (about 75g ), roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic (about 16g ), peeled
  • 1 -inch Ginger (about 15g ), peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce ( 60ml )
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil ( 60ml )
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar ( 25g ), packed
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice ( 30ml ), freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Allspice ( 8g )
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme ( 4g )
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon ( 2g )
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg ( 1g )
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves ( 1g )
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper ( 2g )
  • 1 teaspoon Salt ( 6g )

• Chicken/Tofu Time:

  • 2 lbs Chicken Pieces (about 900g ) – Legs and thighs work best. OR 2 blocks Extra-Firm Tofu (about 900g ), pressed and cubed.

Seasoning Secrets:

These are the secret ingredients that will elevate your Jamaican Jerk Dry Rub Recipe .

• Spice Mix : Allspice and thyme are essential. Don't skimp!
• Aromatics: Ginger and garlic provide that fragrant base.
• Heat Control: Scotch bonnets are HOT. Use habaneros if you want less fire!
• For a quick Jamaican Jerk Bbq Sauce Recipe , simply mix this seasoning with ketchup and a splash of vinegar.

Essential Kit: No Fuss, Just Results

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this recipe.

• Food Processor or Blender: Vital for making the jerk seasoning paste.
• Mixing Bowl: To coat the chicken/tofu in that glorious marinade.
• Plastic Bag/Container: For marinating magic!
• Grill/Oven/Skillet: Pick your weapon of choice for cooking.
• For those wondering about the Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe , any method will do, just make sure to use a meat thermometer!

So, there you have it! gather your ingredients, grab your tools, and get ready to create some authentic jerk marinade .

Honestly, once you make this, you'll never go back to store-bought jerk seasoning . it's authentic jerk marinade at its finest!

Alright, let's talk jerk chicken ! or tofu, if that's your vibe. honestly, this isn’t just cooking; it's a full-on flavor vacation.

I've messed this up so many times, but i’m finally ready to share my version. the best jamaican jerk chicken recipe has its own unique flavour.

Trust me, this is the real deal! it's also a very adaptable jamaican all purpose seasoning recipe.

Get Your Prep On

Mise en place, innit? basically, get everything ready before you start. chop those green onions, mince the garlic, peel that ginger.

It makes cooking way less stressful. also, wear gloves when you handle those scotch bonnet peppers! seriously, i once rubbed my eye after chopping one, and i regretted it for hours.

The essential mise en place is to ensure you have all the components for jerk seasoning assembled.

The Jerk: Step-by-Step

This is where the magic happens. Forget boring recipes; this is how I do it:

1. Blend It Up: In a food processor, chuck in 20g of Scotch Bonnet Peppers , 75g Green Onions, 16g Garlic, 15g Ginger, 60ml Soy Sauce, 60ml Olive Oil, 25g Brown Sugar, 30ml Lime Juice, 8g Allspice, 4g Dried Thyme, 2g Cinnamon, 1g Nutmeg, 1g Cloves, 2g Black Pepper, 6g Salt. Whizz it until it's a smooth-ish paste.
2. Marinate, Mate: Slather that paste all over 900g of chicken or tofu. Make sure every bit is covered. This is where you get the best jerk marinade recipes. Pop it in the fridge.
3. Patience is Key: Marinate for at least 2 hours , but overnight is way better.
4. Grill Time! Get your grill to medium heat. For chicken, grill it for 25- 35 minutes . Internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Tofu Time!: For the tofu grill for 10- 15 minutes. Get it nice and charred.

Jerk Pro-Tips

Want to take your jerk game to the next level? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:

• Char It Up: A little char is essential for authentic jerk flavour. Don't be afraid to let it get a bit blackened.
• Don't Overcook It: Dry chicken is sad chicken. Use a meat thermometer!
• Spice it Up, Or Down Scotch Bonnets are hot. For a milder flavor in your Jamaican Jerk Dry Rub Recipe, deseed and membrane them or use less.

Honestly, the best part about this recipe is the explosion of flavors from that jerk seasoning. once you get the hang of it, you'll be making it all the time.

Plus, you can totally adjust it to your own taste. want more heat? add another scotch bonnet! prefer a sweeter jamaican jerk bbq sauce recipe ? chuck in a bit of honey.

The beauty of homemade is you can do whatever you want. enjoy!

Alright, let's talk about those extra bits that make a recipe shine. You know, the stuff beyond just the ingredients and steps. These are my personal recipe notes!

Recipe Notes for Your Best Ever Jerk!

So, you've got your delicious Jerk Seasoning Recipe sorted. Now what? Let’s elevate your cooking game with these essential notes. Think of it as your personal cooking cheat sheet.

Serving it Up Right!

Forget boring plating. Think sunshine on a plate.

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: I'm telling you, nothing beats a generous helping of this Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe nestled on a bed of fluffy rice and peas. A sprinkle of fresh coriander? Chef's kiss! Seriously, a few vibrant colours will make your dish Instagram-ready. Plus a little extra Jerk Marinade Recipes on the side for dipping? Oh, my days.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: A proper Jamaican meal needs the proper sides. Think sweet fried plantain, creamy coleslaw, or a spicy mango salsa. And to drink? A Red Stripe or homemade ginger beer. Pure perfection. I also like a great Jamaican Jerk Bbq Sauce Recipe for dipping.

Storing Like a Pro

Leftovers? More like "planned-overs!"

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftover jerk chicken (or tofu!) will happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container. Simple.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): Want to save some for a rainy day? You can totally freeze cooked jerk chicken. Wrap it well in cling film, then foil. It'll last for up to 2 months. The Jerk Marinade Recipes can be frozen for a great convenience.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in the oven (covered) or microwave. Or, even better, shred the chicken and use it in tacos or wraps!

Tweak it Your Way

Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Dietary Adaptations: Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Vegan? Tofu works like a dream. It’s all about making it work for you .
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Can't find scotch bonnets? Habaneros will do in a pinch. Experiment with different herbs and spices too. Perhaps a little paprika. A touch of rosemary will also make this Authentic Jerk Marinade sing.

Nutrition Basics

Food is fuel.

• Simplified Nutrition Information: While I'm no nutritionist, it’s worth knowing jerk chicken is a good source of protein. Tofu provides plant-based protein and iron.
• Key Health Benefits: The spices in Jamaican All Purpose Seasoning Recipe , like allspice and ginger, may have anti-inflammatory properties. And hey, feeling good is always a benefit!

So, there you have it! my little notes to take your jamaican jerk dry rub recipe to the next level.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you . get in the kitchen and give it a go!