1. Prepare the Marinade

Start by making the jerk marinade. In a food processor or blender, combine the lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, cloves, and salt. Add the scotch bonnet peppers (or hot sauce) for heat, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Blend everything until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

The marinade should have a thick, paste-like consistency, but still be pourable. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a milder version, use fewer peppers or opt for a milder hot sauce.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the jerk marinade over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are coated evenly. Massage the marinade into the chicken to make sure it’s well-coated.

Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to really soak into the chicken, making it even more tender and flavorful.

3. Preheat the Oven or Grill

If you plan to bake the chicken bites, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer to grill them, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

4. Cook the Chicken Bites

For oven baking:

Spread the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drizzle the chicken with vegetable oil to help with crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden on the edges. For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

For grilling:

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has grill marks. Be sure to check for doneness by cutting into a piece to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

5. Serve the Jerk Chicken Bites

Once the chicken bites are cooked, remove them from the oven or grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures tender chicken.

Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the jerk chicken bites hot, and enjoy the bold, spicy flavor with a side of cooling dipping sauce, like a yogurt-based dip or a tangy lime sauce.