Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken Recipe
This Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken recipe combines the vibrant, spicy flavors of jerk seasoning with the sweet and tangy notes of pineapple. It’s a quick and easy dish where chicken thighs are marinated and baked to tender perfection, making it a delicious and aromatic Caribbean-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Diet: Halal
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs, skinless
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine jerk seasoning, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and lime juice. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, mixing well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add Chicken: Place the skinless chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or preferably overnight to enhance flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the baking dish.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a baking dish in a single layer, pouring any remaining marinade over the top to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Add Pineapple: Evenly scatter the pineapple chunks around the chicken pieces in the baking dish to infuse juices during cooking.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to confirm it is fully cooked.
- Broil (Optional): For a crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, keeping an eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and allow it to rest briefly before serving to let the flavors settle.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors but a minimum of 15 minutes works for quicker meals.
- Use fresh pineapple for a juicier, brighter taste or canned pineapple for convenience.
- If you prefer spicier chicken, increase the amount of jerk seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with pineapple
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Jamaican jerk chicken, baked chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, Caribbean chicken, spicy baked chicken