Spice Up Your Weeknights: Easy One-Pan Jerk Chicken Recipe
2025-07-05
The Courier-Mail
Craving a flavour explosion without the kitchen chaos? This one-pan Jerk Chicken recipe is your new weeknight hero! Packed with vibrant Jamaican spices and incredibly simple to make, it's the perfect solution for busy evenings. Forget mountains of dishes – everything cooks together in one pan, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy.
What is Jerk Chicken? Jerk chicken is a Caribbean classic, originating from Jamaica. It's traditionally marinated in a fiery blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices, then grilled or smoked to perfection. This recipe captures that authentic flavour profile in an easy-to-recreate format.
The Secret's in the Marinade The key to incredible Jerk Chicken lies in the marinade. We've created a simple yet potent blend that delivers that signature spicy, smoky, and aromatic flavour. Here's how to make it:
- In a large, shallow dish, combine the following: 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp ground allspice, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!), 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add about 1kg of chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best) to the marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for 2-4 hours (or even overnight for maximum flavour!).
One-Pan Cooking Magic When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with baking paper. Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and potatoes around the chicken for a complete meal. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Serving Suggestions Serve your One-Pan Jerk Chicken with rice and peas (a classic Caribbean pairing!), a fresh green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped scallions for extra flavour and visual appeal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Easy & Quick: Minimal prep time and one-pan cleanup.
- Full of Flavour: Authentic Jerk spice blend that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknights, BBQs, or entertaining.
Get ready to experience the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean – right in your own kitchen!
