Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs

These Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs are smoky, spicy, and finger-licking good—bringing island flavor straight to your dinner table. Made with organic whole chicken legs marinated in bold Jamaican green seasoning, jerk paste, and a hint of browning sauce, this dish is bursting with authentic Caribbean spice. Fresh scallions, thyme, and smoked paprika deepen the flavor, while the chicken bakes low and slow until fall-off-the-bone tender. Gluten-free, Meatless, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, + Make Ahead Option.

OK, I'm literally ecstatic about sharing this new recipes because it's one of my favorite flavor combos------yes, I know I'm biased. Haha. This Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs recipe is one that adds a real flame to your tastebuds and a satisfaction to your cravings! Tossed in a glossy coat of premium BBQ sauce and served with buttery baby potatoes, every bite is smoky, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. Whether you use legs, drumsticks, wings, or breasts, this recipe delivers that unbeatable sweet-and-spicy jerk BBQ flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or Sunday family meals. As you already know, I'm a big fan of chicken recipes, and my family---my loyal recipe taste testers, absolutely adore this one, especially because I feel like baked chicken doesn't get the delicious credit it deserves.

My previous creations like Southern Baked Maple Citrus Chicken Legs, Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken, Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breasts, and Takeout-style Orange Chicken were huge hits, but I wanted to craft something a tad healthier and versatile. This dish can be added to Jamaican rice + peas, Jerk mac + cheese, salad, pasta, basmati rice, brown rice, bowls + used for meal prepping, and more. It's perfect for all occasions!

The sweetness + slight heat delivers just the right amount of balance, and with its relatively ease of cooking by tossing it together in the oven, this easy chicken recipe is a lifesaver for those hectic weeknight dinners or Sunday soul food meals. The sticky sauce once baked on fully bursts with flavor, making it a love-at-first-bite experience you won't forget! It's packed with protein that adds both depth to your dishes and nutritional goodness. So, if you're looking to keep things uncomplicated yet delectably wholesome, this Jamaican-inspired baked chicken has got you covered. Plus, this chicken recipe is very Meal-prep friendly with Gluten-free, Meatless, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, + Make Ahead Options.

Jump to:

• What Makes Jamaican BBQ Jerk Chicken Special?
• Adjusting the Spice Level
• How To Make Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs
• Ingredients
•  Tips for the Best Jerk BBQ Chicken
• What are the 3 Main Ingredients in Jerk?
• How To Know If Your Chicken Is Fully Cooked?
• What Is The Ideal Chicken Cut To Use?
• Can I Substitute the Chicken in this Recipe?
• Alternative Cooking Methods for Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs
• Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
• How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
• What to Serve with Jerk BBQ Chicken
• Common Q + A's for Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs
• More Favorite Jamaican Recipes
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs

What Makes Jamaican BBQ Jerk Chicken Special?

This dish combines the bold, fiery flavors of Jamaican jerk with the sweet, smoky glaze of classic BBQ sauce. The result? Juicy baked chicken legs that are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in a finger-licking sauce. It’s the perfect balance of heat, smoke, sweetness, and spice that makes Jamaican cuisine so loved worldwide.

Adjusting the Spice Level

Traditional jerk chicken is bold and spicy, but you can easily customize the heat:

• Mild: Use less jerk paste and more BBQ sauce for a sweeter finish.
• Medium: Stick with the recommended amount of jerk seasoning for balanced heat.
• Spicy: Add extra jerk paste or fresh Scotch bonnet peppers for fiery authentic flavor.

How To Make Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs

When it comes to crafting the perfect Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs, there are three essential steps to follow:

• First, it all starts with prepping + seasoning the chicken. Start by cleaning and washing your chicken pieces to ensure that they are clean and ready to be seasoned. I like to wash my chicken with both vinegar and lemon to help keep things clean and sanitized. For an explosion of flavors, I highly recommend marinating the chicken for a good 3 hours. This step sets the stage for a mouthwatering dish.
• The heart of this recipe – is the combination of Jerk + BBQ (more on how to make that soon). This is where the magic happens, and the flavors truly come to life.
• Finally, add the potatoes in between your marinated chicken, brush a bit of BBQ Jerk sauce, + pop it into the oven. That's when the real transformation occurs, and your chicken bakes to sticky, delicious perfection.

Ingredients

• Whole Chicken Legs. The star of the dish—juicy and full of flavor. Whole legs include both the drumstick and thigh, making them extra tender when baked. You can also swap in drumsticks, wings, or even chicken breasts depending on your preference.
• Jamaican Green Seasoning. This herb-packed marinade (made with scallions, garlic, peppers, thyme, and more) infuses the chicken with authentic island flavor. Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade gives you the freshest taste.
• On Everything All-Purpose Blend. A seasoning blend that balances herbs, spices, and savory notes for depth. If you don’t have this, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley makes a great substitute.
• Smoked Paprika. Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the jerk seasoning. Regular paprika or chili powder can be used if needed.
• Browning Sauce. A Jamaican pantry staple that deepens color and adds subtle caramelized flavor. You can skip it if you don’t have any, or use a splash of soy sauce mixed with molasses for a quick substitute.
• Scallions (Green Onions). Bring mild onion flavor and freshness to the dish. Chives or leeks can be used if scallions aren’t available.
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs. Classic in Jamaican cooking, thyme adds earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with jerk spices. Dried thyme works too, but fresh is more vibrant.
• Water or Chicken Stock. Keeps the chicken moist while baking and adds flavor to the pan juices. Bone broth works as a protein-rich substitute, while vegetable stock is a good option if you prefer lighter flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour. Used to thicken the pan juices into a light gravy that coats the chicken and potatoes. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used for a gluten-free option.
• Premium BBQ Sauce. Sweet, tangy, and smoky, this creates that irresistible sticky glaze. Homemade BBQ sauce gives you control over the flavor, but your favorite store-bought brand works just as well.
• Jerk Seasoning Paste/Marinade. The key to authentic Jamaican flavor—bold, spicy, and aromatic. If you don’t have paste, you can use a dry jerk seasoning blend mixed with olive oil.
• Baby or Creamer Potatoes. Tender and buttery, these roast alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal. You can swap with sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or even plantains for a twist.

SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THIS BAKED CHICKEN!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs. Everything from my fave dutch pot/oven, wooden spoons, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

 Tips for the Best Jerk BBQ Chicken

• Marinate for maximum flavor – Let the chicken rest in green seasoning and jerk paste for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
• Use bone-in chicken legs – They stay juicier and absorb the seasoning better than boneless cuts.
• Don’t skip the browning sauce – It adds that signature rich color and depth of flavor.
• Roast low and slow – Baking at a steady heat keeps the chicken tender and allows the spices to soak in.
• Finish with BBQ Jerk sauce – Toss the chicken in sauce during the last minutes of baking for a sticky, glossy finish.

What are the 3 Main Ingredients in Jerk?

In jerk sauce or marinade, the 3 main ingredients that MUST be present are: scotch bonnet, thyme, and allspice (aka pimento seeds). You can't remove any of these ingredients or else it wouldn't be considered "jerk".

FOR HOMEMADE JERK SEASONING PASTE

To make your own jerk seasoning paste instead of using a store-bought version, you'll need to add all of the following ingredients in a high-powdered blender or food processor until completely broken down and smooth. Just follow my Jerk Marinade recipe.

How To Know If Your Chicken Is Fully Cooked?

Ever wondered how long to bake chicken legs at 375°? To know when your chicken is fully cooked at 375° here are some tips:

• Time: Bake chicken legs at 375°F for around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Don't forget to keep an eye on it once it hits the 45 minute mark.
• Color and Juices: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear and the meat is opaque with no pinkness, it's likely cooked.
• Temperature: For certainty, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
• Resting: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside for a tastier result.

What Is The Ideal Chicken Cut To Use?

For this Jamaican-inspired Baked Chicken, I prefer using whole chicken legs. However, if you prefer other parts of the chicken, you can use a whole chicken by cutting it into pieces and removing most of the skin or a mix of legs (drumsticks) and skinless thighs or chicken breasts or wings. It's best to chop larger chicken pieces into smaller ones. I advise against using only chicken breast for this recipe as it contains less fat and can quickly become dry during cooking, but if you do, be sure to bake for only around 30-35 minutes instead.

Can I Substitute the Chicken in this Recipe?

You can absolutely substitute the chicken in this recipe for with another meat or meat alternative altogether such as:

• Vegan/ Plant-based chicken alternatives like Gardein
• Cauliflower
• Mushrooms
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Chickpea
• Jackfruit
• Vegetables (i.e. peas, carrots, potatoes, etc.)
• Shrimp
• Fish [like Salmon]
• Meatballs
• Beef
• Scallops

Alternative Cooking Methods for Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs

Although this Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs recipe is gracefully made in the oven, you can also make it with the following:

• Stovetop: If you’d like to finish the entire recipe for the Jamaican-inspired baked chicken over the stovetop----that's totally fine! To start, you'll want to sear the seasoned chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat by using in olive oil. Once both sides have seared, remove from the heat and set aside. Now, sauté 2-3 minced garlic cloves, add the flour mixture, crushed scallions, thyme sprigs, and baby potatoes, stirring everything together. Bring to a boil before adding back the seared chicken pieces and the BBQ Jerk sauce, covering with a lid, reducing the heat to low and letting it simmer for 30-35 minutes. Continue to spoon sauce onto chicken + potatoes for a nice glaze-like look/finish.
• Crockpot/Slow cooker: For this method, follow the same instructions in this recipe and then transfer everything to a slow cooker. You'll want to stir every so often to ensure that the thickness of the gravy is right and so that the ingredients marry together well. Cook on low setting for 7-8 hours or on high setting for 4-5 hours. NOTE: if your slow cooker has a browning/sear function, you can execute browning the chicken.
• Pressure cooker/Instant pot: Let's make one thing clear------this Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs recipe is far better on the oven as opposed to pressure cookers. Simply, follow the same instructions, doing everything in the pressure cooker: after all the ingredients are in the cooker, cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes. Lastly, you may need to simmer the BBQ Jerk sauce over the stovetop in a skillet or pot afterwards to help it thicken and then pour onto chicken.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Jerk chicken is actually even better the next day since the flavors deepen overnight. You can season and marinate the chicken a day in advance, or bake it fully and reheat before serving. Keep extra BBQ sauce on hand to brush over before serving for that just-baked finish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Fridge: Store cooled chicken and potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze chicken (without potatoes) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, brushing with extra BBQ Jerk sauce to refresh the flavor.

What to Serve with Jerk BBQ Chicken

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone with potatoes, but pairing it with traditional Jamaican sides makes it unforgettable:

• Rice and Peas (classic coconut rice with red beans)
• Fried Plantains for a sweet contrast
• Festival or Johnny Cakes or Hard-dough Bread for a bread side
• Cabbage Slaw for crunch and freshness
• Corn on the Cob with jerk butter for extra island flavor

However, you can keep things less traditional with your favorite seasonal sides. Here are a few great recipes to serve this roasted sweet + spicy chicken with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes, rich + buttery, perfect for all that gravy
• Stuffing with savory herbs and crispy edges
• Seasoned Creamed Corn 
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potato casserole, fluffy and sweet with a crunchy pecan topping
• Green beans are so simple yet flavorful
• Rice for a simple pairing like Coconut rice, Basmati rice, Brown rice, etc
• Velveeta Mac and Cheese --- a true childhood classic
• Baked mac + cheese or this Jerk Baked Mac + Cheese for a bold twist
• Southern Potato Salad
• Tangy, sweet cranberry sauce to balance the chicken's richness
• Soft homemade dinner rolls, ideal for soaking up every last bit of gravy!
• Southern side classic like cornbread or buttermilk biscuits or collard greens

Common Q + A's for Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs

More Favorite Jamaican Recipes

If you thoroughly enjoyed this Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs recipe, don't forget to add these delicious creations to your "must-make" list:

• Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
• BBQ Jerk Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Authentic Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken
• Flaky Jamaican Curry Chicken Patties
• Authentic Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta
• Jamaican Spicy 'Pepper' Shrimp
• Spicy Jamaican Beef Patties
• Jamaican Curry Shrimp + White Rice
• Vegan BBQ Jerk Jackfruit Chipotle Burrito Bowl
• Vegan Jamaican Irish Moss (Sea Moss) Drink
• Vegan Jamaican Ackee + Saltfish
• Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Jamaican Baked BBQ Jerk Chicken Legs Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

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