• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Flavour and Savour
  • About Me
  • Use of Recipes and Images
  • Appetizers
  • Baking
  • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
  • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Main Dishes
  • Healthy Salad Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • Use of Recipes and Images
  • Appetizers
  • Baking
  • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
  • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Main Dishes
  • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Chicken Recipes » Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breasts--Instant Pot, Baked or Grilled

    Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breasts--Instant Pot, Baked or Grilled

    Published: Apr 4, 2018 · Modified: Sep 9, 2022 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    image with text for Caribbean jerk chicken breasts.
    image with text for Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breasts

    Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breasts, marinated in a fiery jerk marinade, let you savour the flavours of the Caribbean Islands! Make Instant Pot, grilled or oven-baked jerk chicken with this simple recipe!

    Sliced chicken breast with jerk marinade on top of Caribbean couscous salad.
    Tender juicy chicken breasts marinated in jerk seasoning bring the flavours of the Caribbean to your table!

    Sand between your toes, warm sunshine, ocean breezes, reggae and stunning sunsets:  Caribbean life seems idyllic!

    And when you add fiery jerk seasoning spices to juicy chicken in this Caribbean jerk chicken recipe, you'll have it all! It's an island-style meal that will likely become a regular in your meal rotations.

    Once you become hooked on jerk flavours, try this Jerk Salmon with Black Bean Salad, too.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why this recipe works
    • 🛒 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👍🏼 Helpful Tips
    • ❓Questions you might have
    • 🔁 Possible Variations
    • 🥶 Storage and Freezing Instructions
    • 🍽 What to eat with jerk chicken
    • 🗒More easy chicken recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    ❤️ Why this recipe works

    • This recipe makes a fragrant, Jamaican-style jerk marinade for chicken breasts, thighs or chicken wings. It has a kick from a blend of spices and herbs including fennel, allspice, cayenne, thyme, garlic and ginger.
    • While you can sometimes buy jerk seasoning mix pre-made at your supermarket, it's very easy to make yourself, you'll know it will be fresh, and you probably have all the items in your spice drawer already.
    • When you add a little saltiness from soy sauce, sweetness from honey and coconut sugar, heat from chili pepper, and acid from citrus juices, you'll have made an amazing, perfectly balanced marinade. It will taste like it has come direct from the islands!
    Overhead view of a sliced Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breast on top of cauliflower couscous salad.

    🛒 Ingredients

    You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are a few details about the ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfectly every time.

    It seems like a lengthy list, but it's simply chicken breasts and a Caribbean jerk marinade! This blend of jerk spices features boldly spiced flavours, but it's easy to customize the heat level to your family's tastes.

    Labelled ingredients for Jamaican Jerk Chicken Breasts recipe.
    • peppers: A Scotch bonnet pepper is the traditional Caribbean choice. These may be hard to find where you live, so you can substitute Habanero pepper or jalapeño pepper.
    • tamari soy sauce: Use a gluten-free variety for a gluten-free diet (or coconut aminos for a paleo diet )
    • honey
    • coconut sugar
    • fennel seeds: these add a distinct flavour. If you really dislike fennel, you can leave them out.
    • cayenne pepper: Use less if you want to reduce the heat!
    • ground allspice
    • dried thyme
    • ground ginger
    • garlic cloves
    • green onions (scallions)
    • apple cider vinegar
    • lime juice:  freshly squeezed
    • orange juice: freshly squeezed
    • 4 chicken breasts:  boneless and skinless

    🔪 Instructions

    This is a simple two-step recipe!

    1. Whir the marinade ingredients in a blender and pour it over the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or marinating container.
    2. Marinate for two hours (or even overnight) then remove and grill, bake in the oven, or cook in an Instant Pot! 

    👍🏼 Helpful Tips

    This is one of those convenient recipes that you can make ahead of time! Mix the marinade, pour over the chicken in a resealable bag or marinating container and freeze. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then make your choice of oven-baked jerk chicken or grilled jerk chicken, or pressure cook it in an Instant Pot!

    Time-saving tip: Double the recipe and save half to make this Caribbean Shredded Jerk Chicken Salad with tropical fruit or these hot and fiery Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings.

    Chicken breasts in a Ziplock freezer bag with jerk marinade.
    Freeze chicken right in the jerk marinade.

    ❓Questions you might have

    What type of chili pepper is in Caribbean Jerk Chicken?


    Jerk chicken is authentically made with a Scotch bonnet pepper. If you can't find one, a Habanero is the closest substitute. If Habanero peppers are too hot for your tastes, substitute a jalapeño.

    But whatever chili pepper you use, remember to wear thin rubber gloves.

    Capsaicin and related compounds called capsaicinoids are the substances that give chili peppers their heat. They cause a burning sensation on soft tissues, so avoid touching your eyes. If you don't have gloves to protect your hands, handle the peppers as little as possible and wash your hands thoroughly in soapy water immediately after cutting them.

    🔁 Possible Variations

    As I mentioned, a Scotch bonnet pepper is a traditional choice for jerk seasoning. If this is difficult to find where you live, feel free to substitute whatever kind of pepper you have available.

    Habanero peppers are also fiery hot, jalapeños less so. Or if you want to try a tamer version of this marinade, simply omit the pepper!

    🥶 Storage and Freezing Instructions

    Store leftover jerk chicken in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Avoid foodborne illness! Bacteria can grow in cooked chicken, even when refrigerated, so consume it within a few days, or freeze it for 3 months or so.

    Close up view of a sliced chicken breast with jerk seasoning on a mango black bean couscous salad.
    Slice and serve baked jerk chicken breasts over Caribbean Cauliflower Couscous Salad.

    🍽 What to eat with jerk chicken

    Salads for jerk chicken: I like to pair spicy chicken recipes like this with a cool refreshing salad or with coleslaw. Serve this jerk chicken with this Caribbean Cauliflower Couscous Salad, with Mango Black Bean Salad, or with a simple slaw.

    Sides: Go authentic and serve it with rice and beans, perhaps with some fried plantains on the side. Sweet potatoes go well with jerk seasoning. Try these Rosemary Garlic Smashed Sweet Potatoes.

    Serve the chicken breasts whole, sliced thinly or shredded to add to tacos or to this Caribbean Shredded Jerk Chicken Salad.

    Dessert: Keep your Caribbean theme going throughout your dinner and make these easy Caribbean Rum Bananas Flambé for dessert! Don't forget the ginger beer!

    🗒More easy chicken recipes

    • Greek chicken Cobb Salad ingredients in rows on a large white platter.
      Greek Chicken Cobb Salad - Family Style
    • A skillet with baked lemon artichoke chicken.
      One Pan Baked Lemon Artichoke Chicken
    • Overhead view of Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Casserole in a baking dish with tortillas in the background
      Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Casserole
    • close up view of a breast of Chicken Saltimbocca
      Easiest Chicken Saltimbocca - Gluten-Free

    When you make these Instant Pot or baked jerk chicken breasts, please leave a comment and a rating below. I love hearing when you've made one of my recipes. Thanks in advance!

    Subscribe to my newsletter and receive new recipes delivered straight to your inbox once a week.

    This baked jerk chicken breast recipe was originally published in 2018. It has been updated with new photos and extra information. The recipe remains the same.

    📖 Recipe

    Sliced Caribbean jerk chicken breast on a mango couscous salad.

    Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breasts

    Savour hot and fiery flavours with these Caribbean Jerk Chicken Breasts. Make grilled, Instant Pot or oven-baked jerk chicken with this jerk sauce recipe.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Entrée/Main
    Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Marinating Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 205kcal
    Author: Elaine
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ½ Scotch bonnet pepper, Habanero pepper or jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
    • 2 tablespoon tamari soy sauce (or coconut aminos )
    • 2 tablespoon honey
    • 2 tablespoon coconut sugar
    • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
    • 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 2 green onions (scallions) chopped
    • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
    • 2 tablespoon orange juice freshly squeezed
    • 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless

    Instructions

    • Put Habanero, soy sauce, honey, coconut sugar, fennel seeds, cayenne pepper, allspice, thyme, ginger, garlic and green onions in a blender and blend until smooth. Add apple cider vinegar, lime juice and orange juice and continue to blend until well combined. 
    • Put chicken breasts in a resealable bag or marinating dish, pour marinade over, seal the bag or dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours (or longer).

    Instant Pot Directions

    • Pour marinade from resealable bag into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add ½ cup water. Set the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot on top of the marinade and position chicken breasts on it. Close the lid, lock and seal it and set the cook time manually for 8 - 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. When cooking time is up, use the quick release to release the pressure. Remove the chicken breasts and slice or shred them.* Moisten with some of the pan juices.

    Oven-Baking Directions

    • Heat oven to 375°F. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade and place in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F. for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, pour marinade into a small saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium heat until reduced by one-third. Spoon reduced marinade over chicken breasts and continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

    Grilling Directions

    • Heat grill and grease grates. Remove chicken breasts from marinade, pour marinade into a small saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium heat until reduced by one-third. Grill chicken breasts for 5 minutes per side or more, depending on their thickness, basting frequently with the marinade. Cook until chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    * To shred chicken breasts, use two forks to pull the meat apart, or use an electric mixer to shred them.
    Jerk chicken is authentically made with a Scotch bonnet pepper. If you can't find one, a Habanero is the closest substitute. If Habanero peppers are too hot for your tastes, substitute a jalapeño.
    For ideas for what to eat with Jerk Chicken, see What to Serve with Jerk Chicken - 20 Best Ideas.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 649mg | Potassium: 488mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 485IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1.2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @enessman or tag #flavourandsavour!

    This recipe was adapted from Sunny Anderson's Caribbean Chicken Wings

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Merilee

      February 04, 2022 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      So good! Just the right amount of heat for us! I used jalapeño instead of a habanero. Will make this again for sure.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2022 at 7:48 pm

        Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Merilee!

        Reply

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Find the perfect recipe

    Elaine from Flavour and Savour

    Welcome! I'm Elaine

    Gluten-free Made Easy!

    I create delicious gluten-free recipes that everyone can make. I’m here to show you that gluten-free eating doesn’t have to be complicated! I’ll help you make healthy meals that you’ll want to share with family and friends. About Me!

    Popular Posts

    • Two mugs of affogato coffee.
      How to Make an Affogato Coffee Dessert
    • A slice of one-bowl flourless lemon almond cake topped with strawberries and a mint leaf.
      One-Bowl Flourless Lemon Almond Cake
    • two flutes of rhubarb prosecco cocktail
      Rhubarb Bellini Prosecco Cocktail
    • a bowl of roasted rainbow carrots
      Roasted Carrots with Honey-Mustard Glaze

    Spring Favourites

    • Image with text for gluten-free desserts for Easter and Spring.
      Gluten-Free Desserts for Easter and Spring
    • Cherry Crisp with ice cream
      Cherry Crisp with Frozen Cherries
    • pouring honey-lime vinaigrette on kiwi cuc
      Kiwi Cucumber Salad with Walnuts and Fresh Mint
    • strawberry spinach salad with strawberry vinaigrette
      Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Dressing
    Brands that feature Flavour and Savour.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Me

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    SIGN UP HERE

    for weekly recipes and tips!

    Contact

    Contact me

    Use of Recipes and Images

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Copyright © 2015 - 2023