Jamaican cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, vibrant spices, and irresistible comfort food. While jerk chicken may often steal the spotlight, Jamaican fried chicken is a dish that deserves just as much attention.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with a blend of island spices, this recipe offers a Caribbean twist on a global favorite.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or simply craving some island-inspired comfort food, this Jamaican fried chicken recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8-10 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or mixed)
- 2 cups buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp vinegar (for cleaning chicken, optional but common in Caribbean cooking)
For the Seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp allspice (a signature Jamaican spice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil (enough for deep frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean and Prepare the Chicken
In traditional Jamaican cooking, chicken is often washed with vinegar or lime juice to remove any raw flavor. After cleaning, pat dry with paper towels.
- Marinate with Seasoning
In a large bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients. Rub the mixture thoroughly into the chicken pieces. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the spices infuse deeply.
- Dip in Buttermilk
Remove the chicken from the fridge and dip each piece into the buttermilk. This step tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better.
- Dredge in the Coating Mix
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each buttermilk-coated chicken piece in the flour mixture until well covered. For extra crunch, dip back into the buttermilk and then re-coat in flour.
- Fry Until Golden Brown
Heat oil in a deep skillet or oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Drain and Serve
Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
Jamaican fried chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Rice and peas (Jamaican classic)
- Fried plantains
- Coleslaw
- Festival (Jamaican fried dumplings)
- A refreshing glass of ginger beer or sorrel drink
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
- Double dredge: For extra crispy chicken, repeat the flour and buttermilk steps.
- Control the oil temperature: Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too low, and the chicken turns greasy.
- Rest after frying: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving—it stays juicy inside.
This Jamaican fried chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen. With its crispy texture, bold spices, and juicy bite, it’s more than just fried chicken—it’s comfort food with island soul. Whether enjoyed with traditional Jamaican sides or your own favorites, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy cravings and impress guests.
