Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a vibrant and iconic dish from Jamaica, featuring chicken marinated in a fiery blend of spices and slow-cooked over pimento wood. The signature jerk marinade typically includes scotch bonnet peppers, allspice (pimento), thyme, scallions, and ginger, creating a complex flavor profile that is both spicy and aromatic.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein meal, with a moderate amount of fat depending on the cut of chicken used, and is generally low in carbohydrates. A typical serving provides essential nutrients like niacin, selenium, and vitamin B6, with a calorie range of approximately 250-400 calories per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 11 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
Per 1 serving (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The unique cooking method, which involves smoking the meat over pimento wood, is central to its authentic flavor and is a technique with roots in the Maroon communities of Jamaica. Nutritionally, the use of allspice and scotch bonnet peppers not only adds depth but also contributes capsaicin and antioxidants, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
