Fried Chicken Recipe Jamaican stands out for its unique blend of bold flavors and spices. Marinated with ingredients like allspice, thyme, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers, it infuses the chicken with deep, vibrant flavors.
The crispy, golden coating adds texture, while the juicy interior ensures each bite is satisfying. This recipe is versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides, from rice and peas to plantains or coleslaw.
It’s considered a delicious base because its robust seasoning can complement nearly any dish, making it a beloved choice for gatherings or everyday meals.
What Makes This Fried Chicken Recipe Jamaican Special?
This Fried Chicken Recipe Jamaican stands out due to its bold, flavorful seasoning and unique marination process.
The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of ingredients like allspice (pimento), Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar, giving it a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory flavors.
The use of these vibrant spices, along with a crispy golden coating, makes the fried chicken distinctly Jamaican, reflecting the island’s rich culinary heritage.
How To Prepare Fried Chicken Recipe Jamaican?
Recipe Details:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: Jamaican
Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving (depending on portion size)
Yield: 5 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed:
- Large bowl for marinating the chicken
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Paper towels (for draining fried chicken)
- Large plate or tray (for holding the fried chicken)
- Mixing spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (or preferred cut, chopped)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or more if needed)
- 5 cups canola oil (or any frying oil except extra-virgin olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 5 pimento berries
- ½ cup jerk seasoning
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (or salt as a substitute)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2-3 teaspoons minced thyme
- 1 teaspoon complete seasoning
- 2-3 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by chopping the whole chicken into pieces (legs, thighs, wings, etc.) or use your preferred cuts. Clean and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, vinegar, paprika, minced ginger, garlic, onion powder, white pepper, salt, curry powder, oregano, complete seasoning, and hot sauce.
Add the chicken pieces into the bowl and massage the marinade into the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have time for more flavor).
3. Prepare the Flour Coating:
In another bowl, combine the flour with the chicken bouillon powder. Mix well.
4. Coat the Chicken:
After marinating the chicken, take each piece and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is completely covered for a crispy coating.
5. Heat the Oil:
Heat the canola oil (or your choice of frying oil) in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking (aim for around 350°F or 175°C).
6. Fry the Chicken:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The chicken should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.Serve hot with your favorite sides such as rice, plantains, or a simple salad.
Essential Health Benefits
Jamaican fried chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that brings a rich combination of spices and seasonings. While indulging in fried foods should be done in moderation, Jamaican fried chicken can offer some essential health benefits.
The use of herbs like thyme, garlic, and scallions provides antioxidants that promote immune health, while the inclusion of ginger helps with digestion.
Additionally, the protein from chicken supports muscle health, and if cooked in healthier oils, the dish can provide healthy fats.
Enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, Jamaican fried chicken can be both a satisfying and nourishing meal.

My Tips
1. Marinate with Seasoning: For authentic Jamaican flavor, marinate the chicken in a blend of allspice, thyme, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, ginger, and vinegar for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to infuse the chicken with deep, bold flavors.
2. Use Self-Rising Flour: For a light, crispy coating, use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will help the chicken develop that perfect crispy texture.
3. Double Dredge: For extra crunch, dip the chicken in seasoned flour, then dip it in a buttermilk or egg wash before dredging it in the flour again. This creates a thicker, crispier crust.
4. Fry at the Right Temperature: Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn; too low, and it will absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
5. Let it Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the crispy texture and prevents the coating from getting soggy.
How Do You Preservefried Chicken Recipe Jamaican?
To preserve Jamaican fried chicken, allow it to cool completely before storing it. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer preservation, you can freeze it. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a blend of spices like thyme, scallions, and scotch bonnet pepper before frying to enhance its taste.
Conclusion
This Jamaican fried chicken recipe is a perfect blend of bold flavors and crispy texture that guarantees success every time.
With simple ingredients like garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, you’ll enjoy a taste of Jamaica in the comfort of your home. The easy-to-follow steps ensure even beginners can achieve delicious results.
I hope you give it a try today and experience the irresistible crunch and savory goodness of this classic dish. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Fried Chicken Recipe Jamaican
Equipment
- Large bowl for marinating the chicken
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs for flipping chicken
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Paper towels (for draining fried chicken)
- Large plate or tray (for holding the fried chicken)
- Mixing spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken or preferred cut, chopped
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mayonnaise or more if needed
- 5 cups canola oil or any frying oil except extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 5 pimento berries
- ½ cup jerk seasoning
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or salt as a substitute
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2-3 teaspoons minced thyme
- 1 teaspoon complete seasoning
- 2-3 teaspoons hot sauce adjust to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by chopping the whole chicken into pieces (legs, thighs, wings, etc.) or use your preferred cuts. Clean and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, vinegar, paprika, minced ginger, garlic, onion powder, white pepper, salt, curry powder, oregano, complete seasoning, and hot sauce.
- Add the chicken pieces into the bowl and massage the marinade into the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have time for more flavor).
Prepare the Flour Coating:
- In another bowl, combine the flour with the chicken bouillon powder. Mix well.
Coat the Chicken:
- After marinating the chicken, take each piece and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is completely covered for a crispy coating.
Heat the Oil:
- Heat the canola oil (or your choice of frying oil) in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking (aim for around 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the Chicken:
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The chicken should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Drain and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.Serve hot with your favorite sides such as rice, plantains, or a simple salad.
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