Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs is a quick and easy pressure cooker recipe for Carribean jerk chicken with spicy marinade.
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Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs are just one of many wishlist items I have had on my radar to try with my Instant Pot. A couple of months back, I attended our annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival here in Kansas City. This event showcases over 60 different cultures from around the world. Each showcases their food, crafts, and ethnic dances.
The Jamaican tent is one of my favorites to visit. It is usually my first stop because it appears to be everyone's favorite. It is always packed with long lines!
I always order the jerk chicken with rice and peas. During my visit this year, I started thinking....I need to make my own jerk chicken. After all, I am a foodie, who also blogs about food!
Jerk chicken is typically prepared on the grill. I LOVE my grill. I am often asked for recipes with alternatives to grilling. Not everyone owns a grill, some live in residences with restrictions or may simply be intimidated. As a result, I came up with an alternative....hey Instant Pot!
The Instant Pot ALWAYS delivers juicy meat for me. I even used it to sear the steak for my Instant Pot Steak Tacos. I have always grilled my steak for these tacos in the past. One experiment with the Instant Pot showed me, that I can improvise and still get amazing results.
Don't have a grill or an Instant Pot? There are so many other ways to prepare this recipe. It is loaded with flavor, especially if you marinate overnight. You can cook the chicken in a slow-cooker on low for 8 hours. You can pan sear the chicken over the stove and then bake. You really can do what works best for you.
Traditional jerk chicken uses scotch bonnet peppers. They can be extremely hard to find. Habanero peppers are the closest substitute. Both of these peppers are HOT! Be careful during handling, if you decide to chop the peppers. I threw the habanero right into my blender, which is great because there is no contact with the inside of the pepper.
You can substitute jalapenos if you prefer something with less spice. I don't feel like this recipe is "spicy." Using one pepper for 4 pieces of chicken really balances it out.
Table of Contents
More Instant Pot Recipes:
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Instant Pot Starbucks Gingerbread Latte
Instant Pot Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte
Instant Pot Low-Carb Pumpkin Spice Bread
Instant Pot Lasagna
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs Using the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Chicken and Spanish Rice (Arroz Con Pollo)
Instant Pot Cheesecake
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Instant Pot Steak Tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowl with Quinoa
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 habanero Chopped. Authentic Jerk uses scotch bonnet peppers. If you have access to these, feel free to use them. Habanero is a close substitute
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce Can substitute liquid aminos or coconut aminos.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 3 green onions (scallions) Chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger You can use ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 chicken thighs I used bone-in.
- 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning I used Tony Chachere.
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients (except for the olive oil and chicken) in a blender. Blend well for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
- Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag. Drizzle ½ of the marinade over the chicken in the bag.
- Seal the bag tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to marinate.
- Pour the olive oil into the Instant Pot.
- Place the Instant Pot on the Saute function. Brown both sides of the chicken for 4-5 minutes total.
- Drizzle the remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Close the Instant Pot and Seal. Cook on Manual/High-Pressure Cooking for 14 minutes.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, quick release the steam.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Kristine says
I'm a little slow to get on the Instant Pot train, but I finally purchased one and now I'm stockpiling recipes! These chicken thighs look mouthwatering! I can't wait to try them, thanks!
Luci says
This looks super delicious. I'll have to do this my slow cooker since I don't have an Instant Pot.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Jerk chicken is always a favorite of mine, but I've never tried the instant pot version. I think it's time for me to get an instant pot!
Ginny says
Jerk is one of my favorite sauces. It's so great to have the recipes so I can make it from scratch.
Edyta at Innocent Delight says
I need to get myself an Instant Pot. I would love to try this recipe as soon as possible.
Adriana Lopez Martin says
Love Jamaican jerk chicken so good and spicy! Nothing beats a good flavorful dish. Has been long since I made jerk chicken need to make it soon.
Chrissyadventures says
This recipe looks yummy. I will print this out so I can make it when the kids come home for the holidays!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
I love Jamaican Jerk anything! Have you tried Walker's Wood Jamaican Jerk seasoning? It's about $2.50/jar and it's the best wet rub -- really spicy and absolutely delicious. I never make my own jerk anymore -- this is too good and easy.
staysnatched says
I haven't heard of that. I need to look into it!
Joe says
This is the best stuff. Friends from Trinidad use it exclusively.
Amy says
I don't have an instant pot yet, but I can totally do this in my slow cooker! Chicken thighs are my favorite cut because of the great flavor, and they hold up so well to the jerk seasoning!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Your Jamaican jerk chicken thigh recipe simply rocks!! It looks so delicious! Now, I have to buy an instant pot just to make your recipe!
Sara says
I have to admit, I haven't used my instant pot in a while, time for me to pull it out and make this delicious recipe!
Angela Tolsma says
All the seasoning sounds wonderful mixed together. I don't have an instant pot or cook chicken often but I might have to try this!
Dannii says
This has brought back so many happy memories of Jamaica and the amazing chicken. I really should make it myself more often.
Lisa Bryan says
I need to use my Instant Pot more and these sound like a delicious recipe to have me break out the IP!
Jessica Hughes says
Ahh, I have loved Jamaican jerk since visiting Jamaica years ago! I really do need to finally get the Instant Pot I have been thinking of buying for so long. I'd love to try this recipe, it looks fantastic.
Nelle Creations says
OMG! Yes! Jerk Chicken is my favourite!
Stephanie says
I don't have an instant pot yet but I may need to get one. All of these recipes look so good and easy!
Lindsey Mozgai says
This looks so yummy! I love trying new foods, and I've never had Jamaican jerk food.
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Yum, this looks so fabulous! I can't wait to try this in my Insta-pot!!!
AnnMarie John says
I love jerk chicken, at least the ones that I have tasted in restaurants. It would be so nice to make this on your own and without hassle too thanks to having an instant pot.
David Elliott says
That just looks too delicious. I love some good jerk chicken. And the colors on that dish looks too perfect. Looks awesome.
sonali jain says
This looks really awesome and all the pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Tanya @ Intimate Explorations says
I have family in Brooklyn, so I have had my fair share of Jerk chicken and love it. Your chicken looks amazing! You and your Instant Pot rock!!
anne - onedeterminedlife says
This looks so good!! I love chicken dishes
Jennifer L says
Oh wow Ive always wanted to make jerk chicken ever since having it in the carribean. Love to make this soon with a nice plate of rice. yum!
Abby says
Bone in or boneless?
staysnatched says
I did bone in.
Carissa says
I’m not a big fan of chicken thighs but I love chicken breasts. If I were to substitute boneless chicken breasts, how long would you say I should cook this for in the instant pot?
staysnatched says
10 minutes for chicken breasts.
Tanner Rozier says
Just finished it and it turned out great! Super delicious! I made it with boneless thighs and only cooked it for 9 min on high pressure.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Shannon says
Is there a reason to use all of these spices over jerk seasoning such as Badia's or McCormick's? Is it better flavor? Just wondering. Looks good!
staysnatched says
I prefer to make my own spice mix for optimal flavor. You can use what you prefer.
Shannon says
Right, I haven't made jerk chicken before though so I'm not sure what I prefer. I have seen it done both ways and didn't know which way would be tastier/more authentic. Thanks. 🙂
staysnatched says
You're welcome!
Din says
Can I make it with boneless skinless chicken thighs and thai chilies instead of habenero? Will the texture not be as good without the skin?
staysnatched says
That will depend on your preference, so I can't answer that. I personally do not use skinless chicken thighs. I prefer the skin.
Anonymous says
Great recipe. I found (the hard way) to let the pot do the natural steam release when using bone in chicken.
Rachel says
Can I use chicken legs instead
staysnatched says
Yes.
Jackie says
Hello,
If I double the recipe, do I use the same cooking time or should I make this in two batches?
Also, when I do the QR, should I turn the IP off?
staysnatched says
You can use the same cook time. The IP may just take longer to come to pressure. No need to turn off the IP. It will go to the Keep Warm function which is fine.
Evelyn says
I just got an instant pot and found this recipe on Pinterest... omg it’s AMAZING! I made it last night, and I made some mango salsa to top it with. Thank you so much for this! It was so easy and the flavor is out of this world! I will be making this regularly for sure!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Jesse says
Hi I'm not able to use a mouse or touchpad due to a visual impairment, and it was very difficult to figure out how to navigate to the sign up pop up box to close it. Thank you.
Baltisraul says
To keep from going to the store in a rain storm and cut the carbs, I used Chicken brith,1 jalapeno and green chili salsa. Will let you know how this experiment turns out tomorrow.
staysnatched says
Can't wait to hear!
MaryJ says
The marinade tastes amazing. The chicken will marinate overnight and I plan to cook the chicken in the instant pot. I am a bit worried about getting the burn message. Is the marinade that I will use to top off the chicken enough liquid?
staysnatched says
Yes, it's enough liquid.
Janele says
This is amazing! At first I was going to substitute with jalapeños, but recipes are meant as written and my neighbor grows scotch bonnets so we went for it. You are totally right, one pepper for the recipe isn’t bad at all, so happy I didn’t substitute. My husband LOVES the marinade and we use it for everything from salad dressing to potato salad. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Diana says
Does the skin come out crispy?
Tarah says
I tried this recipe this evening and it was SO GOOD. Like, unbelievably good. Thank you so much for this!
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear it!
Jim says
Sounds good but how do you keep from getting a burn notice without any liquid in the instant pot?
staysnatched says
There is liquid. Feel free to add more if you need it.
Mike says
This recipe will not work because the instant pot required liquid be in it.
staysnatched says
It has worked every time.