Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (2024)

PUBLISHED · MODIFIED · by the author listed in the recipe card 909 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· 4 Comments

Jump to Recipe - -

This is a recipe for Jerk chicken made with The Spice House Jamaican Jerk Mix. It's literally the best, and easiest jerk chicken I’ve ever had, and it's super easy to boot.

Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (1)

Why You're Going To Love It

I'll be the first to admit I am a spice snob. I just don't think ready-made brands compare to homemade spice mixes. It takes so little time to make a spice mix if you have all the ingredients, that I always end up making my own.

But not everyone wants to, and not everyone has all the ingredients to make one. So I decided to try out the Spice House mixes and see if I could find something I liked.

I created a marinade with the Jerk Seasoning mix they have, and I made about half of what the recipe calls for. I let the chicken sit overnight and cooked it this morning. The mix smelled delicious but I wasn't sure how it would taste.

I am entirely in love with this mix. I really don't see how my homemade version could outperform this so I'm not even going to try. I'm sold. Try the Jerk Seasoning from The Spice House and save yourself some effort while quickly getting a great dinner on the table.

It has a slight heat at the back of it, but it's mainly extremely flavorful and full of complex spices. I also think it's a good value. I got an $7.99 bag and made the recipe below. I still have enough to make it about 3-4 more times.

I think that's a fantastic value especially when you consider what you'd pay if you ordered this dish in a restaurant (not to mention, a plane ticket to Jamaica so there's that).

Why Do They Call It Jerk Chicken?

The term "jerk" is used to describe the way that meat is seasoned and cooked. The original version of this type of meat was seasoned with a recognizable blend of spices and then smoked to help preserve it. This meat was called charqui. Over time this became what we now know as jerky.

Is Jerk Chicken Sweet or Spicy?

Jerk Chicken has quite the spicy kick. However, it is not a "blow the top of your head off" kind of spicy. The flavor of the scotch bonnets is balanced well by the thyme and allspice.

To create the marinade, I used a small amount of lime and orange juice, so there is a touch of sweetness and acidity to subdue the spice.

What Are The Three Main Ingredients In Jerk?

The three main ingredients in Jerk seasoning are Thyme, Scotch Bonnet, and Allspice. The Spice House includes these three ingredients along with others in their blend, so the taste truly is authentic.

Ingredients You'll Need For This Recipe

How To Make Jamaican Jerk Chicken

  1. Place the chicken in a quart-size Ziploc bag. Pour marinade ingredients onto the chicken and let it rest overnight or up to 24 hours.
  2. When ready to cook, heat a nonstick pan and add the tablespoon of vegetable oil or ghee.
  3. Add chicken pieces into a single layer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
  4. Serve straight out of the pan and enjoy!
Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (2)

You basically mix the seasoning with soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and orange juice and then you dunk the chicken in there and let it marinate.

I cooked it in a skillet with some ghee and it took no time at all to make. I mean, look at that marinade! You know it will be flavorful when it looks thick and delicious like that.

How Long Does It Last?

For the most delicious and safest bite, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to enjoy any Jerk Chicken that may be left over within 3-4 days after preparing it.

What Do You Serve With Jerk Chicken?

Many of the foods that are traditionally paired with a yummy Jerk Chicken are high in carbs, so if you're eating low carb, use your best judgment on what does and doesn't fit in your daily macros from the list below.

  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Fried Plantains
  • Beans and Rice
  • Grilled Pineapple
  • Collard Greens

More Jamaican Recipes

  • Jamaican Chicken Curry
  • Instant Pot Curry Recipes
  • Jamaican Rice and Peas

If you love this Jerk Chicken recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.

Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (3)

Jerk Chicken | Jamaican with The Spice House Jerk Seasoning

Keto Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Literally the best, and easiest jerk chicken I’ve ever had, and super easy to boot.

Print Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Course: Main Courses

Cuisine: Jamaican

Keyword: Easy Keto Recipes, Jamaican Cuisine, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Keto Recipes

Servings: 8

Calories: 279kcal

Author: URVASHI PITRE

Click on highlighted ingredients or Equipment to see exactly what I use to make this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons (2 Tablespoons) The Spice House Jamaican Jerk Spice
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoons (1 tablespoons) Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) White Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) Orange Juice
  • 2 pounds (0.91 kg) boneless, skinless chicken, cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil or ghee, for cooking

Instructions

  • Place the chicken in a quart-size Ziploc bag. Pour marinade ingredients onto the chicken and let it rest overnight or up to 24 hours.

  • When ready to cook, heat a nonstick pan and add the tablespoon of vegetable oil or ghee.

  • Add chicken pieces into a single layer and cook until done, and the insides are no longer pink, and serve sizzling hot.

Nutritional info doesn't include the Jerk Seasoning Mix

Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.3g

Tried this recipe?Follow @twosleevers and Pin it!

Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.

Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (4)
Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (5)
Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (6)
Jerk Chicken | Low Carb Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret in jerk chicken? ›

The Real Deal: How Jerk Chicken Is Traditionally Prepared

The process starts with pieces of chicken that are soaked overnight in a heavily seasoned marinade flavored with fiery Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice—the dried berries native to Jamaica that give jerked foods their characteristic warm spice aroma.

Does jerk chicken have carbs? ›

Naples Jerk Chicken (1 serving) contains 13g total carbs, 13g net carbs, 8g fat, 20g protein, and 210 calories.

Is jerk chicken good for diet? ›

It contains ginger which has proved to lower blood sugar levels. Paprika is also an ingredient in the meal. It's antioxidant and vitamin rich: A, E, B6, C. Additionally, garlic lowers the risk of heart disease and it's full of antioxidants.

What is the common method used when cooking jerk chicken in Jamaica? ›

Jerk refers to a style of cooking in which the main ingredient—which most often is chicken but may also be beef, pork, goat, boar, seafood, or vegetables—is coated in spices and slow-cooked over a fire or grill traditionally composed of green pimento wood positioned over burning coals; the resulting smoke is key to the ...

What is jerk chicken sauce made of? ›

With a combination of scotch bonnet peppers, pimento (all spice), nutmeg, soy sauce and thyme amongst other seasonings, jerk sauce is JAMAICA in a bottle. You get hints of sweet, salty, lots of spicy and a kick of flavour that can only be described as “island-y”.

What is jerk chicken seasoning made of? ›

What are the primary ingredients in jerk seasoning? The defining distinctive ingredients in Jerk Seasoning are cayenne pepper (or habanero pepper for the brave), allspice, and thyme. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg also round out the spice blend.

Does jerk seasoning have carbs? ›

Schwartz Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (1 serving) contains 35g total carbs, 35g net carbs, 5.4g fat, 10g protein, and 285 calories.

Is jerk chicken junk food? ›

Jerk chicken is one of the healthier options if consumed in a balanced diet that consists of fibrous and complex carbohydrates. The chicken itself is a lean meat and is one of the healthiest options, especially if you opt for chicken breast.

How many net carbs are in jerk chicken? ›

Bol Jamaican Jerk Chicken (1 bol) contains 63g total carbs, 49g net carbs, 3.8g fat, 14g protein, and 313 calories.

Why do Jamaicans eat jerk chicken? ›

Jerk chicken is believed to have been conceived when the Maroons introduced African meat cooking techniques to Jamaica which were combined with native Jamaican ingredients and seasonings used by the Arawak Indians.

Is jerk chicken anti inflammatory? ›

In addition to its rich history and cultural significance, jerk chicken recipe is also celebrated for its health benefits. The spices used in jerk seasoning are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a nutritious and flavorful dish to enjoy.

What is healthy jamaican food? ›

Authentic Jamaican cuisine is full of jerked lean meats, beans and vegetables. The jerk style of cooking introduces smoked and/or grilled meats rubbed in mouth tingling spices – the perfect healthy meal addition as the spices add flavor without the pesky calories.

Why is my jerk chicken dry? ›

Be sure to not overcook the chicken - the last thing you want is dry, overcooked chicken. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your jerk chicken will be juicy and flavorful.

Why is jerk chicken black? ›

The chickens were rubbed with a jerk spice mixture of allspice berries and scotch bonnets (a relative of the habanero), among many other things, that turned the flesh a deep, dark brown, just one shade away from black.

What is a interesting fact about jerk chicken? ›

The Roots of Jerk Chicken

Jamaican jerk chicken holds a delicious history that dates back centuries. Derived from the techniques of the indigenous Taino people, and later adapted by enslaved Africans, this unique cooking style combines a medley of spices and flavors like no other.

What is the difference between jerk seasoning and jerk marinade? ›

What is the difference between jerk seasoning and jerk marinade? Jerk seasoning is a dry spice blend and a jerk marinade comes in a liquid form. The spice blend is meant to be rubbed into your meat of choice and left in the fridge overnight before grilling. The marinade is a quicker version of the spice blend.

Why is jerk chicken so good? ›

The signature blend of the aforementioned spices creates an aromatic flavour profile that is synonymous with Jamaican jerk and the traditional wood-fire cooking method is what imparts the smoky flavour to the meat, adding the depth and complexity for which the dish is known.

How long can you marinate jerk chicken? ›

We recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours. Marinating not only imparts amazing flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 6556

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.