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This image shows tender jerk chicken pieces with a smoky,

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish where chicken is pressure-cooked in a savory and tangy jerk sauce, then grilled for a perfect sear. Serve with rice, beans, and peach salsa for a delicious meal packed with Caribbean flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 6 people
Calories 209 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant pot
  • Splatter screen
  • Tongs
  • Grill
  • Basting brush

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp Pickapeppa sauce
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, Pickapeppa sauce, Jamaican jerk seasoning, and salt in the Instant Pot.
    This image shows a bowl of jerk sauce being mixed, combining spices, peppers, and seasonings for a bold and flavorful marinade.
  • Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat.
    This image shows chicken pieces being generously coated in the jerk marinade, ensuring deep, rich flavors before cooking.
  • Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
    This image shows the marinated chicken inside an Instant Pot, where it is being pressure-cooked for a juicy and flavorful result.
  • Once done, perform a quick release and carefully open the pot.
    This image shows steam escaping as the Instant Pot lid is carefully opened, revealing the cooked jerk chicken inside.
  • Remove the chicken and set it aside.
    This image shows cooked jerk chicken being removed from the Instant Pot and placed on a plate, ready for the next step.
  • Press the saute function and let the sauce reduce for 5-7 minutes, using a splatter screen if needed.
    This image shows the remaining jerk sauce simmering in the Instant Pot, reducing into a thick, flavorful glaze.
  • Grill the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, just enough to create sear marks and a grilled flavor.
    This image shows jerk chicken pieces sizzling on a grill, adding a delicious charred and smoky finish.
  • Optionally, baste the chicken while grilling or coat it in the sauce beforehand.
    This image shows a brush coating the grilled jerk chicken with extra sauce, enhancing its juiciness and spice.
  • Serve with peach salsa, fried plantains, and beans and rice.
    This image shows perfectly grilled jerk chicken plated alongside rice, topped with fresh cilantro for a vibrant presentation.
  • Pour the remaining sauce on the side.
    This image shows a spoon pouring thickened jerk sauce over the plated chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with bold flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
  • For a smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken on a charcoal grill.