Fiery Pineapple Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this effortless approach to Jamaican jerk chicken. Combining fiery spices, sweet pineapple, and a hint of tropical warmth, this slow cooker meal is sure to bring a taste of island sunshine right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tablespoon allspice, ground
• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 or 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

Start by prepping your chicken and spices. Pat the chicken dry and set it aside in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together the allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub this jerk seasoning mix evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated.

In the base of your slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, pineapple, garlic, ginger, and peppers. Place the seasoned chicken on top of this aromatic bed. Whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, and chicken broth (or water), then pour this mixture over the chicken. This blend will help tenderize the chicken and create a savory sauce while it slow-cooks.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender. To get a slightly crispy finish, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking—just watch closely to avoid burning!

Whether you’re an avid fan of Caribbean cuisine or simply looking to spice up your weeknight routine, this Fiery Pineapple Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a perfect fit. The slow cooker method means minimal hands-on time, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken that’s deeply infused with sweet and spicy notes. It’s a great option for those following a gluten-free or low-dairy diet, and you can easily adjust the heat level by using fewer peppers or skipping them altogether. Feel free to substitute chicken breasts or even pork if you’d like a different protein. Serve it with steamed rice, plantains, or a crisp garden salad for a complete island-inspired meal that’ll leave everyone happily satisfied.