If you love the taste of jerk chicken, then you’ll love this Jerk Chicken Rub recipe. This rub is easy to make at home and it’s perfect for grilling or smoking chicken.
The rub is made with a blend of spices like thyme, nutmeg, allspice, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and many more.
This jerk seasoning recipe is best suited for those who want to add a little bit of Caribbean flavor to their juicy chicken.
The blend of warm spices used in this rub is traditional in Jamaican cuisine, and it’s a staple ingredient in many Caribbean dishes. The seasoning is particularly suited for those who enjoy bold flavors and spicy foods.
If you’re new to Jamaican jerk chicken rub, don’t worry. This seasoning blend is easy to make at home and can be used on a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef.
Once you try this seasoning on your chicken, you’ll be hooked on the delicious flavor it adds to your dish.
In this post, we’ll provide you with a recipe for making your own Jamaican jerk chicken rub. We’ll also provide you with some tips for using this seasoning on your chicken and other meats.
So get ready to spice up your mealtime with this delicious seasoning blend!
What is Jerk Chicken?
Jerk chicken is a popular dish in Jamaican cooking that is known for its spicy and flavorful taste.
It is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of spices and seasonings, including allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and ginger.
The chicken is then cooked on a grill or in a smoker until it is tender and juicy.
Jerk seasoning originated in Jamaica and was traditionally used on pork, but it is now commonly used on chicken, fish, and other meats.
The word “jerk” refers to the Spanish word “charqui,” which means dried meat. The seasoning was originally used to preserve meat, but over time, it evolved into a flavoring for meat dishes.
Jamaican jerk chicken is often served with rice and peas, plantains, or other Caribbean side dishes.
It is a popular dish in Jamaica and can also be found in Caribbean restaurants around the world.
How To Make Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Combine Ingredients
Before beginning, gather all the required ingredients to ensure you have everything you need. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Make sure to mix the ingredients properly to create a well-blended jerk chicken rub. Break up any clumps to ensure that each bite of chicken has an even distribution of all the flavors in the rub.
Rinse & Dry Chicken
Before adding the rub, rinse the chicken in cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture on the surface of the chicken, which can prevent the rub from sticking.
Rub Chicken
Evenly coat the entire surface of the chicken with the homemade jerk seasoning rub, ensuring that every part of the chicken has some of the delicious spice blend. Use your fingers to press the rub into the chicken, ensuring that it sticks to the chicken properly. This will help to create a flavorful and crusty coating on the chicken.
Let The Dry Rub Sit
Let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the spice rub to penetrate the chicken and enhance its flavor. This resting time also allows the chicken to come to room temperature, which helps it to cook evenly.
Cook Jerk Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the chicken on the grill. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken to ensure that it is fully cooked.
Store Any Unused Chicken Rub
You can store Jamaican jerk seasoning in an airtight container to keep it fresh for future chicken seasoning.
You can even try it on other meats like pork chops or beef. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its flavor and freshness.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious jerk chicken rub that will elevate the flavor of your jerk chicken and impress all of your friends
The Best Chicken Recipes
Chicken is a beloved protein to grill, and seasoning it properly can make all the difference. A good chicken rub can take your backyard BBQ game to the next level.
While choosing the right rub is important, cooking the chicken perfectly is equally crucial.
Take a look at the following recipes to cook your chicken to perfection.
Whether you’re cooking chicken thighs, chicken wings, chicken legs, grilled chicken breasts, or a whole chicken, these recipes will make sure it turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor!
- Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
- The Best Chicken Wings Recipe
- Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Smoked Chicken Quarters Recipe
- Chicken Legs Recipe
- Smoked Whole Chicken
More Homemade Chicken Rub Recipes
If you’re looking to expand your chicken rub collection, try out some of these homemade chicken rub recipes.
We’ve got a variety of spice blends and rubs to suit different preferences.
Whether you want a savory chicken rub with a touch of smoky chipotle, a sweet rub with brown sugar, or just a classic chicken rub, we’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
Give these homemade chicken rub recipes a try and take your BBQ chicken to the next level!
Jerk Chicken Rub
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Funnel (optional – if storing)
- Airtight Container (optional – if storing)
- Anti-Moisture Silica Packet (optional – if storing)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Mix the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
- Rinse and pat the chicken dry with paper towels
- Sprinkle the rub over the entire surface of the chicken, making sure to press in with your fingers
- Allow the chicken to sit with the rub on it for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Store any unused seasoning in an airtight container.
Chicken Rub Recipe FAQs
What Is Jamaican Jerk Chicken Seasoning?
Jamaican jerk chicken seasoning is a mixture of spices and seasonings that are used to marinate chicken and other meats. It typically includes allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and ginger.
Can I make my own jerk chicken rub at home?
Yes, you can make your own jerk chicken rub at home. There are many different recipes available online that you can use to make your own seasoning.
What are the ingredients in a typical jerk chicken seasoning mix?
The ingredients in a typical jerk chicken seasoning mix include allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and salt.
How do I apply the jerk chicken rub to the chicken?
To apply the jerk chicken rub to the chicken, rub the seasoning all over the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
How spicy is jerk seasoning?
Jerk seasoning is typically quite spicy due to the use of scotch bonnet peppers. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preferences.
How do I make a jerk chicken marinade?
A Jamaican jerk marinade can be made using the same ingredients in the Jamaican jerk seasoning blend with the addition of lime juice, pineapple juice, and olive oil.
Can I use jerk seasoning on other meats besides chicken?
Yes, jerk seasoning is a versatile spice blend that can be used on other meats, including pork tenderloin, beef, and fish.
How long will homemade jerk chicken seasoning last?
Homemade jerk seasoning will last for several months if stored in an airtight container or sealed spice jar, in a cool, dry place.
Can I use pre-made jerk seasoning instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use pre-made jerk seasoning instead of making your own. Just make sure to read the label and adjust the amount used based on the level of spiciness and other ingredients.
How Do I Cook Jerk Chicken After Applying The Seasoning?
Jerk chicken can be cooked on a grill or in an oven. Cook it until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Make sure to check the chicken periodically to prevent it from burning.