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Flavorful Jamaican Jerk Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with Easy Mango Salsa

Jamaican jerk chicken drumsticks - featured image
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This Jamaican jerk chicken drumsticks recipe features a smoky, spicy marinade balanced by a fresh, sweet mango salsa. Perfect for grilling or oven baking, it’s a quick and vibrant dish ideal for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (use less for milder heat)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large ripe mango (or 2 small), diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: small jalapeño, finely chopped (for extra kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the jerk marinade by combining scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, ginger, green onions, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until a thick paste forms (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Add drumsticks to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. If short on time, 30 minutes is acceptable.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C) or oven to 425°F (220°C) with a wire rack on a baking sheet.
  4. Cook drumsticks: On grill, place drumsticks spaced evenly and cook 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In oven, bake on wire rack for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until skin is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
  5. While chicken cooks, prepare mango salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and optional jalapeño in a bowl. Stir gently and let flavors meld (about 10 minutes prep).
  6. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Serve jerk chicken drumsticks with a generous scoop of fresh mango salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken longer (overnight) for deeper flavor. Control heat by adjusting scotch bonnet pepper quantity or removing seeds. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding cooking surface for even browning. Rest chicken before serving for juicy meat. Searing drumsticks before grilling or baking adds extra crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican jerk chicken, chicken drumsticks, mango salsa, spicy chicken, grilled chicken, Caribbean recipe, easy dinner, summer grilling

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/flavorful-jamaican-jerk-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-with-easy-mango-salsa/