Bring the taste of the islands to your dinner table with Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Thighs. Toss chicken and jerk seasoning into your slow cooker, then let it simmer to tender, juicy perfection. Serve alongside homemade tostones or Chifles (Fried Plantain Chips) for a complete, flavorful meal.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Thighs Recipe
Jerk chicken is a classic Caribbean dish that is known for its bold, spicy flavor. Traditionally, jerk chicken is grilled, but this slow cooker jerk chicken is just as delicious and easier to make.
The chicken is marinated in a flavorful jerk seasoning that infuses it with all the classic flavors of jerk chicken. Then, it is cooked low and slow in the slow cooker until it is fall-apart tender.
- Easy to make. All you need to do is combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Authentic flavor. it is a great way to get a flavorful and authentic jerk chicken without having to fire up the grill.
- Versatile recipe. You can serve this crockpot jerk chicken thighs with a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, and vegetables.
- Budget friendly. An affordable weeknight meal you can start in the morning and have ready when you're home from work..
Ingredients Overview
With just some chicken thighs, a great jerk seasoning blend, and a crockpot, this zesty dish is sure to spice up your weekly meal rotation. The flavors of the jerk seasonings permeate through the juicy chicken thighs as they simmer away in your slow cooker.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Crockpot Jerk Chicken Thighs
These incredibly delicious and easy-to-make jerk chicken thighs are perfect for when you're searching for an exciting meal that doesn't take too much effort. So grab your slow-cooker and let's get cooking!
Step 1: Rinse the chicken off and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. For easier clean up you can use a slow cooker liner.
Step 2: In a large measuring cup or small bowl, combine the water, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Jamaican spice blend, soy sauce, minced garlic, curry powder, and salt. Whisk until blended.
Pro Tip
For crisper chicken thigh skin, transfer the chicken thighs to a broiling pan or sheet pan. Place under the oven broiler for 5 minutes to crisp up, watching closely so they don't burn.
Step 3: Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken thighs, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Step 4: Transfer the jerk chicken thighs to a serving platter. Ladle some of the crockpot Jamaican jerk sauce into a gravy boat or small bowl to serve alongside the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these jerk chicken thighs together with a side of our Rice Cooker Coconut Rice for an exotic tropical feast. Some popular options include steamed cilantro rice, beans, and fresh vegetables.
Substitutions and Variations
Some useful tips and substitutions when making this recipe:
- You can substitute chicken breasts for the chicken thighs.
- Add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as bell peppers, potatoes, or onions.
- You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the chicken thighs.
Tips for Success
Helpful tips to help you when making this recipe:
- For a spicier chicken, add more cayenne pepper or habanero peppers to the jerk seasoning.
- You can also marinate the chicken in a gallon zipper bag overnight for even more flavor!
- Double or triple the Jamaican spices so you can save some for another meal. Keep in a mason jar or bail jar in cool dark pantry location.
Storage Options
Here is how I store leftovers when making this recipe:
- The cooked jerk chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the jerk chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat until warmed through.
Related Recipes
- Broiled Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Salad Wraps
- Satay Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
- Homemade Caribbean Jerk Seasoning
- 25 Fix and Forget Crocktober Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use store-bought jerk seasoning. However, if you have the time, I recommend making your own jerk seasoning. It is easy to do and you can control the level of heat, and it has more flavor.
Yes, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Just cook the chicken in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours, or until it is cooked through and the chicken tender.
Caribbean Recipes
Get The Recipe!
Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Crock Pot 6 qt Slow cooker
Ingredients
For Jerk Chicken Thighs
- 5 lb Chicken thighs
- 1 cup Water
- ¼ cup Orange juice
- ¼ cup Lime juice
- ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoon Jerk seasoning recipe below
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Curry powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Jerk Seasoning (Jamaican Spice Blend) makes 3 tbsp
- 1 teaspoon Allspice ground
- 1 teaspoon Ginger ground
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon ground
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg ground
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne ground
- 1 teaspoon Garlic ground
- 1 teaspoon Onion ground
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper ground
- ½ teaspoon Salt ground
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken off and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. For easier clean up you can use a slow cooker liner.5 lb Chicken thighs
- In a large measuring cup or small bowl, combine the water, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Jamaican spice blend, soy sauce, minced garlic, curry powder, and salt. Whisk until blended.1 cup Water, ¼ cup Orange juice, ¼ cup Lime juice, ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoon Jerk seasoning, 1 tablespoon Soy sauce, 3 cloves Garlic, 1 teaspoon Curry powder, 1 teaspoon Salt
- Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken thighs, place the lid on the crockpot, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Transfer the jerk chicken thighs to a serving platter. Ladle some of the crockpot Jamaican jerk sauce into a gravy boat or small bowl to serve alongside the chicken. PRO TIP: For crisper chicken thigh skin, transfer the chicken thighs to a broiling pan or sheet pan. Place under the oven broiler for 5 minutes to crisp up, watching closely so they don't burn.
Homemade Jamaican Spices
- Blend all the spices together until completely blended. Makes just enough for this recipe. Add to the water, orange juice, lime juice, garlic and salt. Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.1 teaspoon Allspice, 1 teaspoon Ginger, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Nutmeg, 1 teaspoon Cayenne, 1 teaspoon Garlic, 1 teaspoon Onion, 1 teaspoon Black pepper, ½ teaspoon Salt
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