Pineapple Glazed Jerk Chicken

My family can’t get enough of the bold island flavors in this Pineapple Glazed Jerk Chicken recipe. Featuring a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this easy baked jerk chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. Tender chicken legs are coated in prepared jerk seasoning, baked until golden and juicy, then finished with a sticky, flavorful pineapple glaze. It’s a tropical twist on comfort food that’s always a hit at the dinner table, absolutely finger-licking good!

Easy Pineapple Glazed Jerk Chicken Recipe

The sweet and spicy flavors in this delicious recipe for Jerk Chicken pair perfectly with just about anything, especially rice dishes or a fresh, crisp layer salad. Want to switch it up? Try it with a twice-baked potato or some green beans on the side. These tender, juicy jerk chicken drumsticks are oven-baked and smothered in a simple pineapple glaze that comes together while the chicken cooks. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, but definitely impressive enough to serve to guests.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Pineapple Glazed Jerk Chicken: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card).

• Chicken – I used chicken drumsticks for this recipe.
• Spices – Purchase a quality brand of prepared jerk seasoning i.e. McCormick’s, Badia, Walkerswood (World Market) or any that you enjoy. You’ll also need salt and black pepper.
• Brown Sugar – A small amount of sugar in the dry rub caramelizes on the exterior adding more char and flavor.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves expand the flavor.
• Oil – Olive oil helps crisp the skin.
• Pineapple Glaze – Pineapple preserves, butter, shallot, red bell peppers, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes and garlic.

How to Make the Best Pineapple Glazed Jerk Chicken Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Pan – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Use an oven safe grill pan or broiler pan and spray liberally with cooking spray.
• Make the Rub – Mix together the Jamaican Jerk seasoning, minced garlic, olive oil and brown sugar to form a paste. Rub on all sides of the chicken.
• Transfer to Pan – Place onto the pan. Sprinkle the top with additional seasoning, if desired.
• Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe.
• Make the Pineapple Glaze – Cook onion and red bell pepper in melted butter until softened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well. Simmer to reduce.
• Glaze the Chicken – Brush with the glaze on all sides, continue to bake until the juices run clear.
• Let Stand – Remove from the oven, tent with aluminum foil, then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Jerk Pineapple Glaze for Chicken

• A large oven safe grill pan or a sheet pan fitted with a wire rack.
• Medium pot or heavy bottomed saucepan to make the pineapple glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Pastry brush to apply the glaze.
• Large spoon or rubber spatula for stirring the glaze.
• Instant read thermometer.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Chicken – You can use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts for this recipe. You might even opt to make it using whole chicken pieces. Each one bakes differently, so check the thickest portion of the chicken with an instant read thermometer looking for 165°F internal temperature.
• Jerk Seasoning – You can use your favorite brand of jerk seasoning. McCormick’s, Badia, Walkerwood are all easy to find.
• Pineapple Preserves – If you’re unable to find pineapple preserves you can adapt the glaze recipe using apricot jam or or mango preserves.
• Homemade Pineapple Glaze Option – You can also make the following changes to adapt the glaze. Add one 8 ounce can of undrained crushed pineapple and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to the other ingredients. You may need to cook the glaze slightly longer to give it time to thicken and reduce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Vinegar adds the acidic flavor to balance the sweet pineapple glaze. You could use soy sauce, white vinegar or balsamic vinegar, instead.
• Shallots – You can use red onion, scallions (green onions) or sweet onion instead of shallots.
• Peppers – Red bell peppers add a mild pepper flavor that pairs well with the crushed red pepper flakes. You can use a different pepper such as green bell pepper, poblano pepper, scotch bonnet peppers or jalapeno pepper for extra heat. When doing so, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
• More Ways to Use the Pineapple Glaze – You can use this same glaze to brush on pork, shrimp, ribs or steak.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Pineapple Glazed Jerk Chicken in an airtight container or wrapped in foil, chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Jerk chicken is delicious cold, but you can reheat pieces gently in an air fryer for a few minutes or a 350°F oven just until the skin has crisped again. Watch it closely and don’t walk away, the sweet pineapple glaze can burn.
• Freezer – Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Side Dishes to Serve with Jerk Chicken

• Teriyaki Rice Pilaf is filled with mushrooms and petite peas for added color.
• Tender, crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes.
• Cajun Dirty Rice complements the sweet and spicy vibe beautifully.
• Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots could roast along with the chicken.
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad is practically a meal on it’s own.
• Homemade Breadsticks will go with this or any of your favorite entrées.
• Green Bean Salad can be made in advance for a timesaver.
• Sweet Corn on the Cob.
• Pineapple Rice from Barefeet in the Kitchen.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pan
• Cutting Board
• Olive Oil Dispenser
• Kitchen Utensils