Jamaican jerk chicken is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re on a beach in Montego Bay, with the smoky scent of pimento wood in the air and a plate full of bold, spicy flavors in front of you. This Instant Pot version delivers all that depth with a fraction of the effort—balancing heat, sweetness, and aromatic spices in every bite.
The pressure cooker locks in moisture, giving you tender, fall-apart chicken in record time. Pair this fiery, spice-rubbed chicken with a refreshing Cucumber Salad or a Greek Zucchini Salad to cool things down and create a perfectly balanced meal.
The crisp, citrusy elements of these sides mellow out the jerk spice while letting its complexity shine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or prepping easy weeknight meals, this combo brings Caribbean heat with a Mediterranean twist.
Jerk cooking is all about building layers of flavor—traditional techniques involve marinating the chicken overnight and slow-cooking over pimento wood, but the Instant Pot speeds things up without sacrificing taste.
A quick blend of fresh Scotch bonnets, allspice, thyme, and a splash of citrus makes for an authentic, punchy marinade. The result? A dish that feels like it took hours but comes together in under an hour, giving you more time to enjoy the adventure of cooking.
Why You’ll Be Hooked!
- A Flavor Journey in Every Bite – The jerk spice blend is a perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and fiery, making every bite an explosion of Caribbean goodness. If you love bold flavors, this dish delivers.
- Effortless Yet Authentic – Traditional jerk chicken takes hours of marinating and grilling, but this Instant Pot version nails the tenderness and spice in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy cooks craving real island flavor.
- A Meal That Feels Like a Getaway – Pairing this with Cucumber Salad or Greek Zucchini Salad balances the heat, adding a crisp, cooling contrast that feels like a sunny escape on your plate.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch, and you’ve got flavorful, protein-packed meals for the week—whether tucked into tacos, over rice, or alongside roasted veggies.
- Customizable Heat Levels – Love it extra spicy? Add an extra Scotch bonnet. Prefer it mild? Cut back on the peppers but keep the warm allspice and thyme. Either way, the taste is unforgettable.
This dish is as bold and vibrant as the islands themselves—spicy, smoky, and unbelievably tender.
Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Instant pot
- Splatter screen
- Tongs
- Grill
- Basting brush
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tbsp Pickapeppa sauce
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, Pickapeppa sauce, Jamaican jerk seasoning, and salt in the Instant Pot.
- Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat.
- Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Once done, perform a quick release and carefully open the pot.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Press the saute function and let the sauce reduce for 5-7 minutes, using a splatter screen if needed.
- Grill the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, just enough to create sear marks and a grilled flavor.
- Optionally, baste the chicken while grilling or coat it in the sauce beforehand.
- Serve with peach salsa, fried plantains, and beans and rice.
- Pour the remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- For a smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken on a charcoal grill.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 209kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 52g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Pre-Mix the Sauce – Stir together the sauce ingredients in advance and store in the fridge to save prep time.
- Use Skinless Chicken – Skinless chicken absorbs flavors better and avoids excess grease in the sauce.
- Marinate for Depth – If time allows, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Broil Instead of Grilling – If you don’t have a grill, broil the chicken in the oven for a similar charred effect.
- Double the Sauce – Make extra sauce and use it for dipping or drizzling over rice and beans.
