Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe – Want a great jerk chicken seasoning? This is an easy and totally authentic jerk spice mix that is sure to give all of your Caribbean recipes incredible flavor. Make your chicken and serve with authentic Brown Stew Chicken, Rice and Peas, and Fried Plantains! And try this Blackened Seasoning.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning falling out of a glass with a spoon

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My Jerk Seasoning Origins

My first encounter with jerk seasoning was when I travelled on a Caribbean cruise with my parents when I was just a teenager. I remember we docked at Montego Bay on an early Saturday morning, and I could smell this unbelievably irresistible aroma from shore. I could not wait to get off that boat to eat whatever I was smelling.

Several spoons, each one containing one ingredient of the Jerk Seasoning Recipe on a marble background

I cannot remember if we participated in any shore excursions or swam in the ocean that day, but I can tell you for sure that I ate one of the most flavorful pieces of chicken I’ve ever tasted that day. The Jamaican jerk seasoning on this chicken was simply divine!

Where Does Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Come From?

The origins of Jamaican jerk seasoning comes from Jamaica by way of West Africa. It is used in the Jamaican style of prepping and cooking meat (poultry, pork, beef, seafood), fruits and veggies of all kinds. The jerk seasoning can be used a dry rub or as a wet marinade. It is an awesome method of giving your food unbelievable flavor.

Close up of several spoons, each one containing one ingredient of the Jerk Seasoning Recipe on a marble background

Jerk Chicken Seasoning

The most common jerk seasoning recipe has to be jerk chicken. Jerk chicken seasoning was my first experience with Jamaican jerk spices. It definitely inspired my mango jerk wings.

The flavor is such an incredible complement to the sweetness of the mango that it really sings in this recipe. You should also try my Jerk Shrimp Tacos recipe. This seasoning is absolutely perfect for that recipe as well.

What is in Jamaican jerk seasoning?

This recipe is another amazing recipe courtesy of The Spice Diet by a friend Judson Todd Allen that recently passed away. I encourage you to purchase his book because it was absolutely amazing and filled with so many incredible recipes made to help you lose weight in the most flavorful way.

I wanted to honor him by sharing this recipe and also the cajun seasoning recipe. This recipe is about as authentic as a jerk spice will come. The most important ingredient is allspice which is very typical in Caribbean dishes. It is accented perfectly by thyme and red pepper flakes that give it that lovely spice jerk is known for. A few more ingredients like garlic and onion powder round out the flavor balancing it all.

Close up of jerk seasoning with a spoon on a marble background

Judson was such a bold, bright and beautiful personality who was also a big star. His star was rising and it broke my heart that all of his dreams didn’t come true. I want to make sure I continue to share his story if I can because he was such an unbelievable talent and beautiful soul. He will be missed by so many.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Recipe - Want a great jerk chicken seasoning? This is an easy and totally authentic jerk spice mix that is sure to give all of your Caribbean recipes incredible flavor.