Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Chicken

Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

Jun 7, 2022 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 31 Comments

91 shares
  • 72
Diet: Gluten Free
Jump to Recipe
Slow cooker jerk chicken with a text title overlay.

Authentic Jamaican flavours and chicken all slow cooked until the meat melts in your mouth. Just a little bit of prep work and a really simple homemade jerk sauce, you have yourself a simple slow cooked meal with big flavours and just the right amount of heat. This slow cooker jerk chicken is something a little bit different to try in your slow cooker, and great for batch cooking.

A plate of jerk chicken with rice. Scotch bonnets and coriander leaves are next to it.

Jerk chicken in the slow cooker couldn't be easier. You just brown the chicken in the pan a little, blend all the ingredients to make the spicy Jamaican sauce and then put it all in the slow cooker together.

No need to fire up the BBQ to make jerk chicken - let the slow cooker do all the work for you. The slow cooker makes the chicken deliciously tender and it just falls apart and you still get the char, as the chicken is browned first. This is a foolproof slow cooker recipe, and one you will want to make time and time again.

If you are looking for other ways to use your slow cooker, then why not try our Slow Cooker Beef Curry, Slow Cooker Beef Brisket or Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken.

Jump to:
  • Why you will love it
  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make slow cooker jerk chicken - Step by step
  • Jerk sauce
  • What to serve with jerk chicken
  • Storage
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Extra tips
  • More chicken recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why you will love it

  • A really easy way to make jerk chicken - No need to BBQ it, you can get the char by frying it a little first and then the slow cooker does all the work.
  • A simple homemade sauce -  The sauce is so easy to make, you just blend it all together.
  • For people that love spicy food - This is definitely a recipe for those that love their food with a kick of heat.
  • A great value meal - Using chicken thighs makes this a budget friendly meal.
  • Great for batch cooking - This freezes well, so make extra and freeze for quick and easy meals in the week.

Ingredients needed

  • Chicken thighs - You can use any piece of chicken, like legs or breast, however we think that thighs work best in this recipe. Not only are they great value, but they are really juicy and have a lot more flavour.
  • Oil - This is to cook the chicken in. We used vegetable oil.
  • Lime - This adds a lovely fresh flavour. For extra lime flavour, add some zest too.
  • Ginger - Did you know that can peel ginger with a teaspoon! You can use fresh or frozen ginger. You can grate ginger straight from frozen.
  • Spring onions (scallions) - Use the green and the white of the onion.
  • Scotch bonnet chillies - This is where all the heat comes from, but they add a nice sweetness too.
  • Mustard seeds, Allspice, Cayenne, Thyme - These are what give the jerk sauce it's recognisable flavour.
  • Salt and pepper - Generously season.
  • White wine vinegar - This gives a nice tangy to the sauce and balances out all the flavour.
  • Garlic - Fresh is always best, but frozen will work too.
  • Tomato puree - This helps to thicken the sauce, and also add some colour. Don't use more than the recipes says though, as you don't want to add a tomato flavour.
  • Honey - This adds a lovely hint of sweetness that cuts through the spice.
  • Rum - This is optional, but it really adds to the Jamaican flavour.

A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

How to make slow cooker jerk chicken - Step by step

One: Put the olive oil, lime juice, ginger, spring onions (scallions), chillies, mustard seeds, salt and pepper, vinegar, garlic, thyme, tomato puree/tomato pasta, honey, rum (if using), all spice, cayenne and water in a food processor and blend until smooth. If you don’t have one, then use a pestle and mortar and stir in the water.

A blender jug containing jerk sauce ingredients.

Two: Put the chicken in a hot pan with oil and brown for 3 minutes each side.

A frying pan with four chicken thighs in it.

Three: Put the chicken in the slow cooker and pour over the jerk sauce.

A slow cooker pot containing four chicken thighs covered in jerk sauce.

Four: Put the lid on and cook in the slow cooker on high for 3 hours, or low for 6 hours.

A slow cooker pot containing cooker jerk chicken.

Six: Serve the chicken on a bed of rice.

Two jerk chicken thighs on a blue plate with rice and lime wedges.

Jerk sauce

This sauce has all the quintessential Jamaican ingredients - thyme, peppercorns, chilli, spring onions, allspice and RUM! Yes, we put rum in our sauce. All the ingredients are added to a blender to make a really easy sauce, but you could buy ready made sauce instead if you prefer.

This recipe is definitely one for those that like a kick of heat in their food. The scotch bonnets in the jerk sauce are fruity, but fierce. Just the way jerk sauce should be. However, it doesn't have to be that spicy, or spicy at all. We only used 1 scotch bonnet, however you could use 2 for a spicier dish or use none at all.

Instead of adding brown sugar to the sauce, we added just a little honey so it gives the sauce some sweetness and cuts through the heat a little, but it isn't too overpowering.

A glass bowl containing jerk sauce.

What to serve with jerk chicken

If you want to keep this meal really traditional, then serve it with rice n' peas. Now, this isn't the garden green peas that you have with your roast dinner. The "peas" in rice n' peas are actually kidney beans. It's a really great side dish with jerk chicken though.

You could serve it with plain rice, or even mashed potato. We also have it in Wholewheat Wraps or Easy Naan Breads for an easy lunch and have served leftovers on a salad too.

Other side dishes that could go well with this (although not traditional) include:

  • Roasted New Potatoes
  • Oven Cooked Rice
  • Paprika Chips
  • Garlic Spring Greens
  • Masala Chips
  • Perfect Microwave Rice
  • Easy Hasselback Potatoes
  • Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli
  • Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Baked Tortilla Chips
Jerk chicken thighs and rice topped with sliced scallions on a blue plate.

Storage

Store: It will keep in the fridge for 2 days.

Freeze: This is a great meal for batch cooking and freezing. Just make sure it is fully cooled and then put in freezable containers (with some rice n' peas too for ease) and then you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Defrost: Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Reheat: You can reheat the jerk chicken in a frying pan over a medium heat until piping hot all the way through. You could also reheat it in the microwave.

Cooked chicken in a jerk coating on a plate with rice. A pan of chicken is in the background.

Frequently asked questions

How spicy is jerk chicken?

This is pretty spicy - just as it should be. However, you can adjust the amount of chillies used, or even remove the seeds from the scotch bonnets so you still have all the flavour, but not as much of the heat.

Can this be cooked in the oven?

If you don't want to slow cook this, you can cook it in the oven instead. Simply marinade the chicken in the sauce for at least 2 hours (overnight is better) and then put in the oven at 200°C/400°F/Gas 6 for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

What slow cooker should I use?

There really is no rule here, just make sure that the ingredients you are using can fit in your slow cooker. We use a Crock Pot DuraCeramic Slow Cooker and we love it. What I love most about it is that you can put the bowl insert on the hob too. So, you can cook the onions on the hob, in the slow cooker bowl. I also love that it has a clear lid, as I am so impatient that I want to keep looking and seeing what it is doing. If you don't have a clear lid, then lifting it to see will release lots of the heat and add to the cooking time.

How do you know when slow cooker chicken is cooked?

The chicken should be perfectly cooked in the slow cooker after 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. However, we always like to use a food thermometer to check. The cooked temperature of chicken is 75°C/165°F. However, if you don't have a food thermometer, then it is best to use your judgement and stick a knife in it. It shouldn't be pink inside.

Can I make a vegan version of this?

If you wanted to make a vegan version of this, then you could swap the chicken for tofu, or just add extra vegetables

heart icon

Extra tips

• If you want an even spicier dish, then use 2 scotch bonnet chilies. If you don't want it spicy, then leave them out. You can always taste the sauce and adjust it to suit your tastes.
• Deseed the chilli if you don't want it to be as spicy.
• You can leave out the rum if you want.
• This recipe can be make with chicken breast or legs instead. Please not that the cooking times may vary.
• Serve leftovers in wraps or flatbreads with salad and a creamy sauce.
• Make sure the spices you are using haven't been sat in your cupboard for years. If you are using really old spices, they won't have much flavour and you will really notice a lack of flavour in the dish. Opened spices should be used within 6 months ideally.

More chicken recipes

  • A plate of parmesan chicken bites next to a bowl of salad, some coleslaw and potato wedges
    Parmesan Chicken Bites
  • Greek chicken skewers on a wooden board surrounded by side dishes.
    Greek Chicken Skewers
  • Chicken and Leek pie on a plate with broccoli next to a baking dish with more pie
    Easy Chicken and Leek Pie
  • Chicken Rendang in a metal dish next to a boel of rice and a lime wedge
    Chicken Rendang

If you’ve tried this Jerk chicken recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Two slow cooker jerk chicken thighs on a blue plate with rice and lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

By: Dannii Martin
Try something different with your next slow cooker recipe. This Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken is easy, nutritious and full of flavour.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
4.87 from 22 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 4 hours hrs
Total: 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 633kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a cow's head.
Meat
An illustration of a mustard bottle.
Mustard
An illustration of a wine glass.
Sulphites

Ingredients

  • 400 g (14 oz) Chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil - for the chicken
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil - for the jerk sauce
  • 1 Lime - (juice only)
  • 30 g (1 oz) Fresh ginger - grated
  • 4 Spring onion (Scallion)
  • 1 Scotch bonnet chilli
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoon White wine vinegar
  • 2 Garlic clove - crushed
  • 1 tablespoon Dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato puree
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Rum - (optional, but it tastes even better this way)
  • 1 tablespoon Allspice
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 5 ml (0.5 cups) Water

Instructions

  • Put 2 tablespoon Olive oil, juice of 1 Lime, 30 g Fresh ginger, 4 Spring onion (Scallion), 1 Scotch bonnet chilli, 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds, 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt, 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns, 2 tablespoon White wine vinegar, 2 Garlic clove, 1 tablespoon Dried thyme, 2 tablespoon Tomato puree, 1 tablespoon Honey, 1 tablespoon Rum (if using), 1 tablespoon Allspice, 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper and 5 ml Water in a food processor and blend until smooth. If you don’t have one, then use a pestle and mortar and stir in the water.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a pan and once hot, add 400 g Chicken thighs and cook for 2 minutes each side to brown.
  • Put the chicken in the slow cooker and pour over the jerk sauce.
  • Put the lid on and cook in the slow cooker on high for 3 hours, or low for 6 hours.
  • Serve the chicken on a bed of rice.

Recipe Tips

  • If you want an even spicier dish, then use 2 scotch bonnet chilies. If you don't want it spicy, then leave them out. You can always taste the sauce and adjust it to suit your tastes.
  • Deseed the chilli if you don't want it to be as spicy.
  • You can leave out the rum if you want.
  • This recipe can be make with chicken breast or legs instead. Please not that the cooking times may vary.
  • Serve leftovers in wraps or flatbreads with salad and a creamy sauce.
  • Make sure the spices you are using haven't been sat in your cupboard for years. If you are using really old spices, they won't have much flavour and you will really notice a lack of flavour in the dish. Opened spices should be used within 6 months ideally.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 633kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 196mg | Sodium: 754mg | Potassium: 761mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1044IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 5mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • Green Goddess chicken salad on a blue plate with some crackers.
    Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad (High Protein)
  • A bowl of chicken and ricotta meatballs and spaghetti.
    Baked Chicken and Ricotta Meatballs
  • Cottage cheese chicken salad on a plate with some crackers.
    Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
  • Three teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps on a wooden board.
    Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Comments

  1. Manasi says

    September 27, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    This is so excellent!! It’s such a unique flavour - had it out of the freezer tonight and now I’m eyeing up your other slow cooker recipes.

    Reply
  2. Sue says

    August 13, 2020 at 2:35 pm

    5 stars
    The Jerk Chicken flavors can't be beat - fantastic recipe, thank you!

    Reply
    • Dannii says

      August 16, 2020 at 9:48 am

      Great to hear that you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  3. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

    May 05, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    5 stars
    Looks so delicious. I love rice with chicken. Will definitely try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Claire says

      January 19, 2023 at 7:28 pm

      4 stars
      Lovely flavours but it is way too hot! I adjusted the servings to 5 people and made it exactly using 2 scotch bonnets and 2.5 tsp of cayenne pepper but it is way too hot for me. Can I add coconut milk to this? Thanks

      Reply
      • Dannii says

        January 20, 2023 at 8:02 am

        Jerk should have a real kick of heat to it. You could add coconut milk to cool it down, but it would totally change the flavours and it wouldn't taste like jerk.

        Reply
  4. Shashi at SavorySpin says

    May 05, 2020 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    That jerk sauce is amazing! I'd lick the plate and my fingers if this jerk chicken was in front of me. Fantastic recipe!

    Reply
  5. Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says

    May 05, 2020 at 10:28 am

    5 stars
    Such a great recipe for any day of the week! Low how quick and easy it is too!

    Reply
  6. Anna says

    May 05, 2020 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    Oh I'm hungry just by looking at these photos! The chicken looks so juicy and delicious! Perfect meal for any day of the week!

    Reply
  7. Charla says

    May 05, 2020 at 9:00 am

    5 stars
    What can I say, this may sound biased but jerk chicken is my weakness and favourite chicken dinner. You pretty much nailed it!

    Reply
  8. Michelle says

    May 04, 2020 at 11:43 pm

    5 stars
    Soo good. I love that its healthy with whole food ingredients too

    Reply
  9. Anita says

    May 04, 2020 at 10:29 pm

    5 stars
    Never knew it's this easy to make jerk chicken from scratch! It's now a family favorite. :)

    Reply
  10. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

    May 04, 2020 at 10:28 pm

    5 stars
    Jerk chicken is one of my personal faves, but I admit, I've never tried to make my own jerk sauce -- I usually buy Walker's Wood -- but I feel like a cheat doing it. Have to try your recipe.

    Reply
« Older Comments
4.87 from 22 votes (10 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 72

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.