Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks marinated in a spicy, sweet jerk seasoning infused with tropical pineapple and lime juices. Baked to perfection and served with caramelized pineapple, bell peppers, and onions, it offers a deliciously balanced dish that’s perfect for a flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Jerk Marinade
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together all jerk marinade ingredients until thoroughly combined, ensuring the spices and liquids are well blended to form a flavorful mixture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag or a bowl, then pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop rich, deep flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Chicken and Vegetables: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the baking dish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Scatter the pineapple chunks, sliced red bell pepper, and red onion around the chicken to roast alongside.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Broil for Caramelization: For an extra caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, drizzle fresh lime juice over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and optional fresh cilantro as a garnish before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with coconut rice, fried plantains, or a simple green salad for a complete Caribbean-inspired meal.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute; reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust heat levels by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
