Jerk Chicken Legs
Jerk Chicken Legs are a classic Jamaican dish where chicken is marinated in a fiery, aromatic blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice (pimento), thyme, and other spices, then traditionally grilled or smoked over pimento wood. The result is a deeply flavorful, spicy, and slightly smoky chicken with a charred exterior and juicy interior.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the chicken and moderate in fat, especially if the skin is left on. It provides key nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium, with a rough calorie ballpark of 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the cut and preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 mcg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Per 1 leg (about 130 g, without skin) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The unique 'jerk' cooking method is believed to have been developed by the Maroons, escaped African slaves in Jamaica, as a way to preserve and cook meat with native spices and wood. Nutritionally, the capsaicin in Scotch bonnet peppers can boost metabolism, and the allspice provides antioxidants.
