This easy and flavorful Jerk Chicken Thighs recipe is made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with bold jerk seasoning and cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, juicy result. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, this dish is paired with an optional buttery pasta for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a spicy chicken recipe or a unique air fryer meal, this jerk chicken recipe is sure to impress. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and perfect for anyone craving Caribbean-inspired flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy this tasty jerk chicken with pasta, rice, or your favorite sides!

Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon garlic olive oil
- 3 ⅓ tablespoons jerk seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Optional Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 stick butter (or dairy-free butter)
Instructions:
- Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic olive oil with the jerk seasoning and salt to form a paste. Coat both sides of each chicken thigh thoroughly with the seasoning rub.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow even cooking. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken and air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For the Optional Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, boiling until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the butter (or dairy-free butter) to the pasta, allowing it to melt completely while stirring.
- Pour the juices from the air-fried chicken into the pasta and stir to combine.
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the pasta. Serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Jerk Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish with a spicy kick. The air fryer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a crispy exterior, while the jerk seasoning delivers bold, Caribbean-inspired flavors. When paired with the buttery pasta, this recipe becomes a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Tips
- Air fryer: Make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
- Resting the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before cutting it to help retain the juices.
- Pasta: If you want a lighter option, you can serve the jerk chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad instead of pasta.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different protein: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Pasta options: If you prefer a gluten-free meal, substitute gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to your taste—use more for extra heat or less for a milder flavor.
FAQs
Can I cook the jerk chicken in the oven instead?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe without the pasta?
Absolutely! The jerk chicken is delicious on its own or served with a variety of sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Can I make the jerk seasoning from scratch?
Yes, you can create your own jerk seasoning blend by combining ingredients like allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the jerk chicken thighs with a refreshing side like mango salsa or a cucumber salad to balance the spice. For a more filling meal, serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. For extra indulgence, top the pasta with grated parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. Enjoy!
Jerk Chicken Thighs
6
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon garlic olive oil
3 ⅓ tablespoons jerk seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Optional Pasta:
12 oz spaghetti
1 stick butter (or dairy-free butter)
Directions
- Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic olive oil with the jerk seasoning and salt to form a paste. Coat both sides of each chicken thigh thoroughly with the seasoning rub.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap to allow even cooking. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken and air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For the Optional Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, boiling until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the butter (or dairy-free butter) to the pasta, allowing it to melt completely while stirring.
- Pour the juices from the air-fried chicken into the pasta and stir to combine.
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the pasta. Serve and enjoy!
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