The BEST Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, smoky, spicy, and sweet, this Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken is the perfect recipe for you! This dish marries two incredible flavor profiles: the fiery complexity of Jamaican jerk seasoning and the tangy-sweet allure of classic BBQ sauce. It’s a fusion of cultures and flavors that will turn any meal into a feast.

Pair it with my Steamed Cabbage for a complete meal that will keep your taste buds dancing!

The Inspiration Behind This Recipe

This recipe is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Jamaica, where jerk seasoning is a cultural treasure. Jerk cooking dates back to the 1600s when the Maroons, descendants of escaped enslaved Africans, developed the technique of slow-cooking seasoned meat over pimento wood. This method not only infused the meat with smoky, spicy flavors but also preserved it for longer periods.

BBQ, on the other hand, is a global favorite with roots in the Americas. The tangy-sweet BBQ sauce in this recipe adds a familiar comfort to the bold heat of jerk seasoning, creating a dish that bridges Caribbean tradition with modern-day flavors.

My take on this dish is baked, not grilled, to make it more accessible for home cooks while still capturing those irresistible flavors. The addition of fresh thyme, garlic, and peppers as aromatics pays homage to the fresh, vibrant ingredients used in traditional jerk cooking.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust spice to preference)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4-1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
• Fresh thyme, garlic, and peppers (for aromatics)

For the Jerk BBQ Sauce:

• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp jerk marinade (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or sweetener of choice

How to Prepare

For the Jerk BBQ Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, jerk marinade, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes before using it on the chicken.

For the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking oil.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, allspice, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs and drumsticks, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
4. Arrange the chicken in the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and add the aromatics (fresh thyme, garlic, and peppers), chicken broth (if using), and some of the Jerk BBQ sauce.
6. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
7. Baste the chicken with the sauce and broth, then bake for another 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the sauce has caramelized.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair It: Serve this Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken alongside my Steamed Cabbage for a complete, flavor-packed meal.
• Side Dishes: Other great sides include coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
• Toppings: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of jerk seasoning and BBQ sauce creates an unforgettable flavor explosion.
• Accessible: Baking the chicken makes it easy for anyone to recreate this dish, no grill needed!
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper and jerk marinade to suit your spice tolerance.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Store the leftovers for quick and delicious meals throughout the week.

This Jerk BBQ Baked Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the best of two worlds—Caribbean and BBQ flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to pair it with my Steamed Cabbage for an unforgettable meal!