Whole30 Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Experience the bold, smoky flavors of the Caribbean with this Whole30 Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe! Made with tender chicken drumsticks marinated in a vibrant blend of scallions, garlic, fresh ginger, and fiery habanero, the marinade is perfectly balanced with coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and zesty lime juice. Traditional jerk spices like ground allspice, cinnamon, and thyme bring an irresistible warmth to the dish. This healthy, Whole30-compliant recipe is easy to prepare and packs a punch with its aromatic marinade. Whether grilled to perfection or oven-roasted, the juicy, flavorful chicken is ready in just over an hour (plus marinating time) and pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or cauliflower rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this Jamaican-inspired dish is paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and irresistibly delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken drumsticks
- 5 Scallions
- 4 Garlic cloves
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger root
- 1 Habanero pepper
- 0.25 cup Whole30-compliant coconut aminos
- 0.25 cup Whole30-compliant apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
In a food processor, combine the scallions, garlic, and ginger. Coarsely chop them first for easier blending.
Add the habanero pepper, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice to the food processor.
Include the paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper in the mix.
Pulse the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, ensuring all the ingredients are well integrated.
Transfer the chicken drumsticks to a large mixing bowl. Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C).
For grilling, place the marinated drumsticks on the grill. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
If roasting in the oven, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot with your choice of Whole30-approved sides, such as a fresh salad or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
385 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.8 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 168 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 897 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.3 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 45.3 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 61 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 602 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
