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This easy Jerk Chicken recipe is made with a simple spice blend and one boneless, skinless chicken breast. It’s baked in under 30 minutes and delivers bold, Caribbean-inspired flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ideal Serving Size: Just the right amount for one person—no leftovers or waste.
- Quick and Easy: Simple steps and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Bold, Spicy Flavor: A homemade jerk seasoning brings authentic Caribbean flavor.
- Easily Doubles: Double the ingredients to make a second serving if needed.
I absolutely love this jerk chicken recipe and couldn’t wait to share it with you. It’s inspired by the bold flavors of traditional Jamaican jerk chicken but made with a milder blend that still brings incredible depth and warmth. It’s seasoned just right, baked in under 30 minutes, and perfect when you’re in the mood for something simple but full of flavor.
Enjoy with many of our single serving side dishes like:
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving Jerk Chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Jamaican Jerk Seasoning: This blend includes allspice, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. To add heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper. I found 1/8 teaspoon makes the chicken quite spicy—start with half that amount and add more to taste.
- Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this recipe for its full flavor and nutritional value. If you prefer a lighter taste, light olive oil works too.
- Chicken: Use one boneless, skinless chicken breast (5 to 6 ounces). If you have extra chicken, use it in recipes like Kung Pao Chicken, Chicken Nuggets, or Crack Chicken.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change up this jerk chicken recipe while still keeping its bold flavor:
- Grilled Pineapple Topping: Add grilled pineapple slices on top of the chicken.
- Jerk Chicken Tacos: Chop the cooked chicken and use it as a taco filling. Add lettuce, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
- Jerk Chicken Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it over mixed greens with tropical fruit and a light vinaigrette.
How To Make Jerk Chicken
These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make Caribbean Jerk Chicken. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the olive oil.
Pro Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breast. Place the chicken in a lightly greased 5×7-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, spoon the pan juices over the top, slice, and serve.
Expert Tips
- Read through the recipe and Ingredient Notes before you begin. This dish comes together quickly, so it helps to have everything ready.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- If brown sugar sticks to the baking dish, pour in boiling water to loosen it easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Use one or two boneless, skinless thighs and adjust the cooking time as needed—they may cook slightly faster.
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to cook two servings.
This is a single serving recipe, but if you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy jerk chicken recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Jerk Chicken For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar -packed
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (5 to 6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the olive oil.Pro Tip: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breast. Place the chicken in a lightly greased 5×7-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, spoon the pan juices over the top, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Read through the recipe and Ingredient Notes before you begin. This dish comes together quickly, so it helps to have everything ready.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- If brown sugar sticks to the baking dish, pour in boiling water to loosen it easily.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Would like to convert this recipe to air fryer. How would this be done?
We haven’t tested this recipe in an air fryer, so we can’t provide specific instructions. I recommend checking your air fryer’s manual for guidance on cooking chicken breast. Following the manual’s recommendations will help you achieve the best results.
To Phyllis who asked if this could be done in an air fryer, yes. I just did it and it turned out great. I use bone-in skin on chicken thighs and applied the spice rub Under the Skin and then all around the thighs. I let them marinate for about an hour and then ran the air fryer, I have the basket type, at 370° for 10 minutes turn them over and repeat. Turned out great. And Joanie your spicing is absolutely accurate for the Caribbean this is definitely a keeper.
Do I need to pat the chicken dry ?
No, patting the chicken dry isn’t essential for this recipe. You’ll get good results either way.
That’ is a very delicious 🥰 Dish very delicious and very injoyable I love it thank you for everything that you all have showed us
Good recipe.
Thank you.