Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks

User Reviews

5

84 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    40 mins

  • Additional Time

    8 hrs

  • Total Time

    8 hrs 55 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    333 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Jamaican

Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks are marinated in a smooth blend of Scotch bonnet chile, aromatic spices like allspice and Chinese five-spice, fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy lime juice. The overnight marinade tenderizes and infuses the chicken with bold flavors. Grilling starts at high heat to sear the drumsticks, followed by low heat to cook them through and develop a smoky crust. The result is juicy drumsticks with complex spicy and savory notes, perfect to serve hot with lime wedges for added brightness.

Description

Grilled Jerk Chicken Drumsticks feature a marinade made by processing chopped onion, Scotch bonnet chile, garlic, brown sugar, lime juice, ginger, allspice, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, nutmeg, salt, soy sauce, and vegetable oil until smooth. Chicken drumsticks are marinated in this mixture for 6 to 8 hours or overnight to develop deep flavors. On the grill, they are seared briefly over high heat to form a flavorful crust, then finished over lower heat until fully cooked to 170°F internally, ensuring juicy meat.

The marinade balances heat from the Scotch bonnet and warming spices, with sweetness from brown sugar and acidity from lime juice, offering a complex taste profile. The grilling method imparts a smoky touch while preserving moisture. Served hot with lime wedges, this dish suits outdoor meals or casual dinners.

To handle the Scotch bonnet chile safely, use gloves to avoid skin irritation. If unavailable, habanero is a suitable substitute. Discard the marinade used for soaking the chicken before grilling to avoid contamination.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 onion chopped, large
  • 1 Scotch bonnet chile
  • 2 garlic chopped, cloves
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 lime juice of
  • 1 ginger peeled and chopped, 2 inch piece, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon allspice
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon thyme fresh leaves
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 12 chicken drumstick

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients except the chicken in a food processor and process until smooth.
  2. Put the chicken into a re-sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it.
  3. Seal the bag and massage it to make sure all of the chicken is covered. Refrigerate overnight or 6-8 hours
  4. Heat barbecue grill to high and spray with cooking spray
  5. Remove drumsticks from marinade and transfer to a platter. Discard marinade.
  6. Place chicken drumsticks on the grill and allow to sear, about 2 minutes per side.
  7. Turn grill heat to low, close the lid and grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until internal temperature at the thickest part of the drumstick reads 170°, about 40 minutes. Serve hot, with lime wedges.
Equipments used:

Notes

  • Handle Scotch bonnet chiles with gloves to prevent skin irritation and avoid touching your face.
  • If you can't find Scotch bonnet chiles, habanero peppers can be used as a substitute.
  • Discard marinade after removing the chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1g Calories 333kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 139mg (46%) Sodium 1630mg (68%) Potassium 477mg (10%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 140IU (3%) Vitamin C 9.8mg (11%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 2.4mg (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 333 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 333kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 139mg 46%
Sodium 1630mg 68%
Potassium 477mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 140IU 3%
Vitamin C 9.8mg 11%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 2.4mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

84 reviews
Excellent

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