Make this easy Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Recipe to spice up your usual weeknight dinner routine. Chicken is marinated in the boldest blend of ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, soy sauce and more. The Instant Pot then cooks it to juicy perfection in just 30 minutes!
Why we love this Pressure Cooker Jerk Chicken Recipe
This easy, spicy Instant Pot chicken breast recipe is always a hit. Check out what makes it so easy to crave time and time again:
- Spicy: Yes, this chicken is pretty spicy thanks to Scotch bonnet peppers. However, you can came it by using habanero or jalapeño peppers instead.
- Quick and Easy: Marinate the chicken, then let the pressure cooker work its magic by cooking it to perfection in just half an hour!
- Unique: This is one of those recipes I love making when I’m stuck in a recipe rut. When my family tires of the usual chicken recipes, I like to throw this one into the weeknight routine to spice things up!
How spicy is it?
Scotch bonnet peppers are admittedly not for the faint of heart! If you’re concerned about the heat, you can swap them with habanero or jalapeño peppers. To really keep everything tame, remove the ribs/seeds of whatever pepper you use – that’s where most of the heat can be found.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover jerk chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat it, just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds at a time until warmed all the way through.
How to Freeze
You can freeze cooked jerk chicken for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it fully cool to room temperature prior to storing in a freezer safe container. When you’re ready to serve it, let it slowly defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this spicy jerk chicken recipe with a side of rice. Then, I top it with some fresh mango for a hit of sweetness! Chopped parsley and raw red onion are also nice pops of fresh flavor.
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes We Love
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Top Reader Review
“This was a huge hit for dinner! My family loved it!” – Toni
Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 green onions roughly chopped
- ½ onion roughly chopped
- 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers* SEE NOTE
- 1 small knob fresh ginger 1 inch, peeled
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or any vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients except the chicken in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth.2 green onions, ½ onion, 2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers*, 1 small knob fresh ginger, 3 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ tablespoon ground allspice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, Juice of 1 lime
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour in the marinade. Toss chicken in the marinade until well-coated. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator to marinate at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.2 pounds boneless
- Place the chicken and marinade in the Instant Pot. Press the Manual Button and set the timer for 30 minutes on high pressure. Naturally release or manually release the pressure once cooking is complete. Remove the chicken to shred and then return to the pot to soak in the juices until ready to serve.
Notes
How to make Instant Pot Jerk Chicken Recipe Step by Step
Make the marinade: In a food processor, add 2 roughly chopped green onions, 1/2 a roughly chopped onion, 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, 1 inch of peeled fresh ginger, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tbsp ground allspice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground pepper, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and the juice of one lime. Pulse until smooth. Add to a bowl with 2lbs chicken breasts, toss to coat, then marinate for 1-8 hours.
Cook the chicken: Place the chicken and marinade in the pressure cooker. Then, hit the Manual Button and set the timer for 30 minutes on high pressure. Naturally release or manually release the pressure once it’s done cooking.
Shred it: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir it with the juices so it stays nice and flavorful!
Courtney O'Dell says
So easy and so much flavor – we couldnt get enough of this jerk chicken!
Becky Hardin says
xoxo
Chelsea says
This made for the yummiest, easy dinner! We’re obsessed with this dish! Thanks for sharing!
Becky Hardin says
That’s awesome!! Thanks for letting me know.
Toni says
This was a huge hit for dinner! My family loved it!
Becky Hardin says
Just love to hear that 🙂
Natalie says
I love Jerk chicken! It has great, delicious flavors!! I am breaking out the instant pot for this!
Becky Hardin says
Hooray!
Katie says
Can always use more instant pot recipes! This one is definitely going to be a hit!
Becky Hardin says
YES!
Elizabeth says
Just came across your Recipe in Taste of Home! So Cool Becky:)
Becky Hardin says
Oh how awesome! Thank you!!
Adam says
This was absolutely DELICIOUS! Perfect for meal prep. I must say though, I was very skeptical about the 30-minute cook time on high pressure as all other chicken break I cook is only 8-10 minutes. I ended up going with 8-10 and it was great, so I would think that 30 minutes would be wildly overcooked. Must not be the case if others have had success at that time?
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Adam!