Aged Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Tender chicken marinated in a rich blend of aged dark rum and traditional Caribbean spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, aged dark rum, allspice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/4 cup aged dark rum
- 2 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup aged dark rum, 2 tsp allspice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 minced scotch bonnet pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade and thoroughly coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors penetrate.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Remove chicken from marinade, discarding excess liquid, and brush both sides with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Step 4: Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp and charred in spots.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aged Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aged Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aged dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aged Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aged Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Aged Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken?
Caribbean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
