jerk chicken in slow cooker recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
jerk chicken in slow cooker recipe
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The Best jerk chicken in slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share this jerk chicken in slow cooker recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

This dish originated in Jamaica, where jerk seasoning is a staple flavor. The combination of allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers gives the chicken a unique and delicious flavor.

I love how easy it is to make this recipe in the slow cooker – just throw all the ingredients in, set the timer, and come back to perfectly cooked chicken. My kids can be picky eaters, but they always devour this chicken without complaint.

It’s also a great way to get them to eat more vegetables – I add sliced bell peppers and onions to the slow cooker for added nutrition. As an added bonus, jerk seasoning has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great choice for families who want to cook healthy meals at home.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by adjusting the level of heat from the scotch bonnet peppers.

Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

4.9 from 633 votes

This slow cooker jerk chicken delivers tender, spicy, and aromatic meat with minimal effort. The chicken simmers in a homemade jerk sauce until it falls off the bone, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Jerk Marinade

6 scallions, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeds removed (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken

4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
1 cup chicken broth

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine scallions, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, soy sauce, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dried thyme, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor.
2Blend until a smooth paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed, about 2 minutes.
3Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the jerk marinade over them.
4Use your hands to coat each piece thoroughly, ensuring the marinade gets under the skin.
5Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
6Transfer the marinated chicken to the slow cooker, arranging the pieces in a single layer if possible.
7Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, not over the top, to keep the marinade from washing off.
8Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
9For a crispy skin, preheat the oven broiler to high.
10Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet lined with foil.
11Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is charred and crispy.
12Serve the jerk chicken hot, spooning some of the cooking liquid over the top if desired.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Blender or food processor
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

Scotch bonnet peppers are very hot; wear gloves when handling them. For a milder version, use only one pepper or substitute with habanero. The chicken can be shredded after cooking for sandwiches or tacos.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Works

This jerk chicken in slow cooker recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients from the vegetables.

You can serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or even over noodles – however you like it best! And because it’s so easy to reheat and serve, it’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

Q: What type of slow cooker should I use for this recipe?

This recipe works well in most slow cookers, but I recommend using a programmable one so you can set the timer and come back to perfectly cooked chicken.

Q: Can I make this recipe without scotch bonnet peppers?

Yes, you can omit the scotch bonnet peppers or substitute them with milder peppers if you prefer a less spicy dish.

Q: How do I store leftover jerk chicken?

You can store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

No, this recipe is best made in a slow cooker as it allows the flavors to meld together slowly over time.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

You can try adding other spices like cumin or coriander to give the chicken more depth of flavor.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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