Easy Instant Pot Jerk Chicken

Instant Pot Pulled Jerk Chicken has a spicy, bold Jamaican flavor that will become your favorite weeknight meal.

If you love recipes that are primarily hands off but bursting with flavor, you are going to love making this Instant Pot jerk chicken.

white rice topped with Instant Pot jerk chicken, diced mangos, and sliced green onions, with a lime wedge in the background.

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Using my Instant Pot on a regular basis has really taken a lot of stress out of cooking weeknight meals.

Learning how to cook frozen chicken breasts was a game-changer, especially since there are so many ways to prepare chicken.

That’s why I know you’re going to love this pressure cooker jerk chicken recipe as much as I do!

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken is bold, spicy and only takes a few minutes to prepare.

It’s what we call a “dump and start” recipe, because you just dump everything into the Instant Pot, set the timer and enjoy a few minutes of relaxation or tackle a household chore while the machine works its magic.

Before you know it, the aromatic scent of the jerk seasoning will be wafting through the air. It’s one of my favorite Instant Pot chicken dinner recipes!

More Instant Pot Time-Saving Chicken Dinners

How to Serve Jerk Chicken

We usually serve Instant Pot pulled jerk chicken over rice or quinoa, topped with a bit of mango to help balance out the heat.

I used my 3-quart Instant Pot Mini to make the rice while the chicken cooked in my 6-quart Instant Pot.

It would also be tasty served on a bun or as a filling for tacos. Be sure to make extra because it’s also great as a salad topping for an easy work-day lunch option.

It’s a really versatile chicken that can be served in several different ways, making it ideal for leftovers!

Easy Instant Pot Rice Recipes for Serving:

a small insert pot of white rice below the Instant Pot of pulled jerk chicken

What Is In Jerk Seasoning?

I like to use a seasoning packet but you can also find jerk seasoning in a jar. Each brand is a little different and the ratios of the spices may vary slightly, but most jerk seasoning blends start with allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers.

Other spices may include cloves, cinnamon, scallions, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, and salt.

I use the pre-mixed seasoning blend because it keeps things simple for me. But if you prefer to make your own, you could try this homemade jerk seasoning.

a seasoning packet of jerk seasoning

Is Jamaican Jerk Chicken Spicy?

Scotch bonnet peppers are very similar to habanero peppers and have a significant spice level.

While many other seasonings are available in varying spiciness levels, jerk seasoning is generally just one spice level – hot!

If spicy food is not your jam you can make your own jerk spice blend and use cayenne pepper in place of the Scotch bonnet pepper. If you really can’t handle the heat, try out Instant Pot Greek Chicken instead!

How to Make Instant Pot Pulled Jerk Chicken

It’s really easy to make Jamaican jerk chicken in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • Dry Jerk Seasoning Mix (I use the kind that comes in a seasoning packet)
  • Brown Sugar
  • Minced Garlic
  • Red Onion
  • Orange Juice
  • Pineapple Juice
  • Lime
Instant Pot pulled jerk chicken over rice with mango

How to Make It:

(Full printable recipe is available below)

Add The Chicken and Seasoning. First, you’ll add the chicken into the Instant Pot and sprinkle it with the dry jerk seasoning followed by the brown sugar, minced garlic, and red onion. Pour in the orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice.

ingredients for jerk chicken combined in the Instant Pot, ready to be pressure cooked

Pressure Cook. Next, you’ll seal the Instant Pot and cook on High for 8 minutes followed by a natural pressure release.

Shred the Chicken and Serve. Last, you’ll remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Add it back to the sauce and serve.

shredded jerk chicken in the insert pot of the Instant Pot

Notes and Adaptations:

  • This pulled jerk chicken is delicious served over rice and topped with diced mango. Other tasty additions include chopped pineapple, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice.
  • You can also make tacos with this chicken–top with some shredded cabbage and diced mango for a flavorful dinner.
Instant Pot jerk chicken served over rice on a white plate in the foreground, with an Instant Pot pressure cooker in the background

Recommended Equipment:

Yield: 6 Servings

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken

a plate of Instant Pot jerk chicken served over rice and topped with mango and green onions

Enjoy the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this easy Instant Pot jerk chicken.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Additional Time 25 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, each cut in half
  • 2 TBSP dry jerk seasoning mix (I use the kind that comes in a seasoning packet)
  • 2 TBSP brown sugar
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • juice of one lime

Instructions

  1. Add chicken breast pieces to the insert pot of the Instant Pot. Sprinkle jerk seasoning over the chicken.
  2. Add brown sugar, minced garlic, and red onion to the insert pot.
  3. Pour the orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice over the mixture.
  4. Close the lid and set the vent to the sealed position. Select a cook time of 8 minutes at high pressure.
  5. When the cook time is complete, allow a natural release of pressure.
  6. After the pressure has released, carefully remove the lid. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the chicken, then return it to the juices and serve.

Notes

  • This pulled jerk chicken is delicious served over rice and topped with diced mango. Other tasty additions include chopped pineapple, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice.
  • You can also make tacos with this chicken--top with some shredded cabbage and diced mango for a flavorful dinner.
  • Serve leftovers over a bed of greens for a delicious salad!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 291Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 47g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is not guaranteed for accuracy.

Want more delicious recipe ideas?

Check out even more mealtime inspiration on my Pinterest boards!

collage image with a photo of pulled jerk chicken in the Instant Pot and a photo of the jerk chicken served over rice.

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4 Comments

  1. neet and angel apk says:

    omg this recipe is a game changer! my jerk chicken turned out so juicy and flavorful using the instant pot! thanks for sharing!

    1. Chrysti Benner says:

      Thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

  2. A Wife and Mother App says:

    This Jerk Chicken recipe is amazing! I love how quick and easy it is to make in the Instant Pot. The flavors are so vibrant and it’s become a family favorite. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Chrysti Benner says:

      So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

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