Description
Baked Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken is a tropical-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in sweet pineapple and bold jerk spices, baked to a caramelized finish—bringing island sunshine straight to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2.5–3 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks preferred)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2–3 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, garlic, lime juice, scallions, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Pat chicken dry and toss in marinade until well-coated. Fold in pineapple chunks. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken, skin-side up, in a baking dish. Scatter pineapple around and pour remaining marinade over top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, basting once or twice, until chicken is 165°F internally and caramelized. Optionally broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon sticky pan juices and roasted pineapple over chicken.
Notes
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, scallion rounds, or thin red chili slices.
- Serve with coconut rice, Jamaican rice and peas, cabbage slaw, corn on the cob, plantains, or sweet potatoes.
- For parties, serve family-style on a platter with roasted pineapple rings and lime wedges.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; flavors deepen over time.
- Freeze cooled cooked chicken and pineapple in containers up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven (covered) until hot, or use the microwave for faster results.
- Boneless thighs or breasts work—reduce bake time to 25–30 minutes for boneless cuts.
- Pineapple balances jerk spice—use more seasoning or add chili peppers for extra heat.
- Canned pineapple (drained) can substitute fresh, but avoid syrup-packed versions.
- Grilling is optional—cook over medium heat until caramelized and cooked through for a smoky twist.
