Prepared in the slow cooker, Olivia Andrews’ Jerk Chicken uses ingredients like onion, spring onions, garlic, habanero or jalapeño chilies, thyme, and allspice for a robust flavor.

To make Jerk Chicken in your slow cooker or crockpot, blend the ingredients to create a marinade, coat the chicken, and cook on low for 7 hours.

This recipe offers a delightful taste of the Caribbean, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a family weekend dinner.

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Can I Use Boneless Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe if you prefer. Boneless chicken may cook a bit faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. This option might be easier to eat and serve.

Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Ingredients

• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 6 spring onions (scallions), coarsely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2–4 habanero or jalapeño chilies (or a mixture), seeds removed, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 teaspoons of cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons of raw sugar
• 125 ml (about ½ cup) of lime juice
• 8 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons of grapeseed or rice bran oil
• 250 ml (about 1 cup) of water

How To Make Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine the onion, spring onions, garlic, chilies, thyme, salt, pepper, allspice, ginger, cinnamon, sugar, and lime juice in a food processor or blender.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Process the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and evenly mixed marinade that will coat the chicken thoroughly.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the freshly blended marinade over them, making sure each piece is generously covered with the marinade.
4. Let the Chicken Marinate: Allow the chicken to sit in the marinade in the slow cooker for at least 20 minutes; for oven cooking, marinate for one hour.
5. Sear the Chicken: In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and sear each marinated chicken thigh for approximately 2 minutes on each side until browned.
6. Cook in the Slow Cooker: After searing, return the chicken and any juices from the pan to the slow cooker, add 1 cup of water, cover, and cook on low for 7 hours.
7. Serve the Dish: Serve the tender jerk chicken with steamed rice, kidney beans, fresh corn, chopped spring onions, and lime wedges on the side.

Is Jerk Chicken Spicy, and Can I Make It Less Spicy?

Jerk chicken is traditionally spicy due to the habanero or jalapeño chilies. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds before adding them to the marinade.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance the Marinade: To elevate the flavors of your marinade, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey, which will help caramelize the chicken during cooking, providing a richer flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking: When using a slow cooker, it’s easy to think more cooking time won’t hurt, but to avoid drying out the chicken, always stick to the recommended cooking times.
• Increase Spiciness: If you enjoy dishes with a strong kick, double the amount of habanero peppers. Just remember that this will significantly increase the heat, so it’s not for the faint of heart.
• Prep Ahead: Prepare your marinade the night before and let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld better, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Balancing Flavors: To counterbalance the spiciness of the jerk seasoning, serve the chicken with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This addition will help soothe the palate for those who might find it too hot.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for thick slices of tofu or large portobello mushrooms. Make sure to press the tofu well before marinating to ensure it absorbs more flavors.
• Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try using the same jerk marinade with pork shoulder or beef brisket. Slow cook these meats just as you would with the chicken for a delicious twist.
• Fruity Flavors: Add some chopped pineapples or mangoes to the slow cooker 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. This will infuse the chicken with a sweet, fruity flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
• Smoky Jerk Chicken: For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to your marinade or, if grilling, use wood chips. This method provides a nice smoky undertone that goes great with the natural spiciness.
• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce the salt in the recipe by half and increase the herbs like thyme and green onions. This modification will help maintain flavor while making the dish more heart-friendly.

What To Serve With Jerk Chicken

Serve your Jerk Chicken with vibrant and refreshing sides like mango salsa, coconut rice, Brown Rice Congee, cucumber salad, and fried plantains. You can also pair it with avocado slices or a crisp jicama slaw to balance the heat.

How To Store Leftover Jerk Chicken

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Jerk Chicken in the refrigerator by placing it in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken cools down to room temperature before you put it in the fridge. This method will keep the chicken fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.

In The Freezer:

First, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Jerk Chicken

Reheat your leftover Jerk Chicken by placing it in a covered skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning it halfway through.

Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave at medium power, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Camembert
• Malaysian Chicken Curry In Slow Cooker
• Bored of Lunch Mexican Chicken Stew Slow Cooker