Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a dark rum and spicy jerk seasoning, then grilled to smoky perfection with a caramelized glaze. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on), dark rum, jerk seasoning 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, skin-on)
- 3 tbsp dark rum
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp dark rum, 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 4 chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and caramelized, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 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 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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 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.
