Jerk Chicken Drumsticks

Jerk Chicken Drumsticks are a classic Jamaican dish where chicken is marinated in a fiery, aromatic blend of spices and slow-cooked over pimento wood. The signature jerk marinade typically features scotch bonnet peppers, allspice (pimento), thyme, garlic, and ginger, creating a smoky, spicy, and complex flavor profile.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate meal, with the drumstick providing a good source of lean protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc. A typical serving of two medium drumsticks with skin contains roughly 300-400 calories, with the majority of calories coming from protein and fat.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	26 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Phosphorus	320 mg
Niacin (B3)	12 mg
Vitamin B6	0.8 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Iron	2.5 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Selenium	40 mcg

Per 2 drumsticks (about 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The word 'jerk' refers to both the spice blend and the ancient Taino cooking method of slow-smoking meat over a wood fire, which infuses it with a unique, smoky depth. Nutritionally, the capsaicin in the scotch bonnet peppers can boost metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.