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    Home » Jamaica » What To Eat with Jerk Chicken

    What To Eat with Jerk Chicken

    Published on Mar 27, 2023 Modified: Mar 27, 2023 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Jerk chicken is a delicious and spicy grilled chicken recipe from Jamaica. If you’re looking for a few side dishes that will compliment the strong flavors of jerk chicken, try out any of these 30 recommendations!

    Large serving bowl of grilled jerk chicken with halved limes garnishing the meat.

    Jerk Chicken is a spicy chicken dish that offers a delicious explosion of flavor and can quickly be grilled up for lunch or dinner. If you’re craving a trip to the islands, enjoying some island flavors is the next best thing!

    What is really great about the unique flavor of jerk chicken is the versatility. It’s both spicy and sweet and is a great way to mix up the flavor at your next backyard barbeque because it goes with just about any side. 

    You can serve Jerk Chicken with some white rice to help take the edge off the spicy marinade or you can top it with salsa for even more flavor (not traditional, but totally delicious).

    No matter your preference, spicy, sweet or savory flavors, I’ve got a list of sides that will compliment spicy jerk chicken perfectly!

    Jump to:
    • FAQs
    • Favorite Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve With Jerk Chicken
    • Recipes to Serve with Jerk Chicken
    • Jamaican Rice and Peas
    • Pigeon Peas and Rice
    • How To Cook Long Grain White Rice in the Instant Pot
    • How To Make Brown Rice in the Instant Pot
    • Green Goddess Salad Recipe
    • Sweet Plantain Chips
    • How To Make Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Sweet Potato Fritters with Lemon Tahini Sauce
    • Coconut Rice Salad
    • Fries (Frites) and Andalouse Sauce from Belgium
    • Perfectly Crispy Homemade Tostones Recipe
    • Pineapple Salsa
    • Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe
    • Mango Pico de Gallo
    • How To Make Jamaican Jerk Sauce
    • Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
    • Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
    • Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes
    • Roasted Root Vegetables
    • Smothered Green Beans
    • Homemade Creamed Corn in the Instant Pot
    • Fried Plantain Recipe
    • Macaroni Pie from Barbados
    • Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
    • Better Than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice
    • Coconut Rice
    • Instant Pot Jamaican Rice and Peas
    • Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes
    • Grilled Jamaican Beef Patties
    • Caribbean Callaloo Soup

    FAQs

    What is Jerk Chicken?

    “Jerk” is a method of cooking that is popular in Jamaica. The meat is marinated for several hours or even overnight and then slow cooked over a fire made from pimento wood chips. The result is meat that is smoky, spicy, sweet and tender. 
    The most popular meat for this dish is chicken, but Jamaican jerk sauce can be used on just about any type of meat and is also enjoyed on several other Jamaican dishes.

    Why Do People Like Jerk Chicken?

    Jerk Chicken has become a popular dish because of the mixture of flavors it offers. The meat is slowly marinated which allows all the flavor to sink in, and then it is slow cooked which makes the meat tender and smoky. 

    How Do You Make Jerk Marinade?

    Jerk marinade is made with scotch bonnet peppers which are as spicy as a habanero pepper but also have a slightly fruity taste. It also features pimento berries, which is what allspice is made of, soy sauce, scallions, ginger, bell pepper and fresh thyme. 

    You can make your own jerk marinade easily at home or find a jar of premade marinade at your local grocery store to make this dish even easier.
    If you choose to make your own, you can throw the ingredients into a food processor to get a smooth marinade and sauce that you can use to add spice to other dishes.

    How Long Should Jerk Chicken Marinate?

    The key to truly flavorful meat is letting the marinade sink in. Ideally it should marinate for several hours and it can even be left overnight.

    Can You Save the Jerk Marinade?

    Yes! If you decide to make your own jerk marinade, it can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days or even a week. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavors will become and it makes a delicious addition to rice, quinoa or even on top of eggs or a sandwich. 

    What Else Can I Use Jerk Sauce For? 

    You can use leftover jerk sauce to add a bit of spice to any dish. Try it on rice, potatoes, or even as a sandwich spread. 

    What are Scotch Bonnet Peppers?

    Scotch bonnet peppers are very popular in Jamaican cuisine. They are a very spicy chili pepper that is cousins with the habanero. They are just as spicy as habanero but the flavor is a bit sweeter. Where habaneros have a slightly citrus flavor, scotch bonnet peppers have a subtle sweetness that is the perfect combo for Jamaican recipes.

    If you are having trouble locating a scotch bonnet pepper, a habanero is a good substitute. If you are not a fan of spicy food, you can use a jalapeno with or without a pinch of cayenne. See more details on the difference between Scotch Bonnet Peppers and Habaneros here.

    If you are making your sauce on your own, be careful as you add your peppers. You can always add more spice but once it is mixed in you cannot take it out!

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    Favorite Recipes

    1. My Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe is cooked on a grill with a marinade made from scratch and a Jamaican beer that really helps bring out the smoky flavors. 
    2. The Pineapple salsa with this Jerk Chicken from Creme de la Crumb adds an extra sweetness to the dish that is so yummy!
    3. This easy jerk chicken recipe in the Instant Pot from Marin Making Mom is a great way to enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor of jerk chicken in a quick way.

    Expert Tips

    Spoon resting in a bowl of jerk sauce.
    • You can use an entire chicken for jerk chicken or you can just use chicken thighs and legs. Bone-in meat with the skin on it provides great flavor for jerk chicken and helps the meat stay juicy and tender. I would not recommend skinless chicken breasts for this recipe as they may dry out.
    • This traditional Jamaican dish is usually slowly smoked over pimento wood chips. If you’re trying to get the most authentic flavor for this savory dish, you can order pimento wood chips or use cinnamon wood chips. I think cooking it on a grill is an easier (and more authentic!) cooking method.
    • If you choose to make your own marinade, you can adjust the amount of spice in your recipe. Use less peppers for less spice or you could even use a jalapeño instead of a scotch bonnet pepper for less heat. 
    • If you do use scotch bonnet peppers, use caution. These hot peppers pack a lot of heat and may leave your hands burning if you chop them without gloves.
    • You can use a dry marinade or a liquid marinade or even mix up both!
    • My jerk marinade recipe does not call for any sugar but a little bit of brown sugar may help the sauce become extra sticky. You can also add pineapple juice or orange juice for an extra bit of sweetness.

    What to Serve With Jerk Chicken

    Grains: Coconut rice, white rice, brown rice, quinoa, Jamaican rice

    Vegetables & Fruit: Green salad, roasted peppers, collard greens, red beans, fresh fruit, cucumber salad, fresh pineapple, coleslaw

    Potatoes & Pasta: Sweet potatoes, potato salad, sweet potato fries, french fries, plantain chips, pasta salad

    On Top: Pineapple salsa, mango salsa, tomato salsa, jerk sauce, lime juice

    Recipes to Serve with Jerk Chicken

    Jamaican Rice and Peas

    Bowl of Jamaican rice and peas.

    Food is central to Jamaican culture, and Jamaican Rice and Peas (from Jamil Ghar) are a must-have for any get-together, gathering, or weeknight meal; pair our take on the flavorful rice dish with roasted meat, curry, or stew for a classic Sunday dinner. 

    Read More

    Pigeon Peas and Rice

    Sliced green onions topping pigeon peas and rice served in a bowl.
    This Pigeon Peas and Rice recipe is a twist on a popular Bahamian staple and is a delicious one-pot wonder. Bacon fries in a pan and then cooks alongside rice and peas to make a savory, comforting side dish or main meal!
    Read More

    How To Cook Long Grain White Rice in the Instant Pot

    Large green serving bowl filled with long grain white rice prepared in the instant pot.
    If you have never made rice in your instant pot you are missing out! It takes just 10 minutes to make perfectly cooked rice to go alongside your lunch or dinner. When you need dinner on the table fast, this Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice is for you!
    Read More

    How To Make Brown Rice in the Instant Pot

    A small pot filled with cooked brown rice sitting next to a cloth napkin.
    It is SO easy to cook Brown Rice in your Instant Pot! Goodbye 40 minute long cook times! This recipe will provide a fast, simple, and perfect-every-time recipe to make your weeknight dinners that much easier.
    Read More

    Green Goddess Salad Recipe

    Bowl of freshly prepared green goddess salad.
    This Green Goddess Salad Recipe is light and fresh and chock full of healthy produce. The fresh olive oil and vinegar drizzled over the top forms a healthy dressing that goes so well with the crunchy pistachios.
    Read More

    Sweet Plantain Chips

    Fried plantain chips spilling out of a serving bowl.
    These Sweet Plantain Chips are made by thinly slicing ripe plantains and frying them lightly in oil. They are crispy, salty and delicious!
    Read More

    How To Make Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    A baked sweet potato topped with pecans and cranberries with parsley on the side.
    This post will teach you How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot, one of the very best side dishes! These Sweet Potatoes are smooth and soft and the perfect hands-off recipe.
    Read More

    Sweet Potato Fritters with Lemon Tahini Sauce

    Sweet potato fritters being dipped into a honey mayonnaise dip.
    This recipe for sweet potato fritters can be serve with Lemon Tahini Sauce or with a Cinnamon Honey Dip. Either way, making this recipe is a great way to experience the culture and flavor of Chad!
    Read More

    Coconut Rice Salad

    Bowl of coconut rice salad.

    Coconut Rice Salad (from A Cedar Spoon) is a light, flavorful rice salad mixing coconut rice, red bell pepper, edamame, cucumber, broccoli slaw, cilantro, green onion, peanuts and dressed in a flavor peanut style sauce. This salad is a great addition to meals as a side dish or could be served with grilled chicken, seafood or beef. 

    Read More

    Fries (Frites) and Andalouse Sauce from Belgium

    Fries with Andalouse Dipping Sauce
    Belgian Frites are soft on the inside, impossibly crispy on the outside, and so crunchy you can hear each bite from across the room. There’s a secret to making fries this delicious!
    Read More

    Perfectly Crispy Homemade Tostones Recipe

    A hand holding a tostone.
    Tostones are twice-fried plantains that are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Vaguely reminiscent of a thick potato chip, they are best enjoyed with salt. Here's how to make your own tostones at home!
    Read More

    Pineapple Salsa

    Pineapple corn salsa in a large mixing bowl with red onions, tomatoes, limes, and cilantro.
    This recipe is the perfect summer recipe. Enjoy it with tortilla chips on the beach, use it to top grilled salmon, or in a burrito bowl. This recipe is quick, light, and fresh!
    Read More

    Homemade Pico de Gallo Recipe

    Chip dipped in Pico de Gallo
    This recipe for Homemade Pico de Gallo will take you only a few moments to make at home! Soon enough, you will have a refreshing, healthy, and easy snack on your table, just ready for tacos, nachos, or anything else you could desire!
    Read More

    Mango Pico de Gallo

    Mango pico de gallo in a scalloped bowl with red onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
    This Pico de Gallo variation is so easy to throw together. Simply add juicy mangos, onion, peppers, and cilantro together for a delicious Mango Pico de Gallo. You can enjoy this delicious salsa with tortilla chips, serve it with grilled salmon, or even add it to tacos.
    Read More

    How To Make Jamaican Jerk Sauce

    Jamaican jerk sauce in a bowl.
    Jamaican Jerk Sauce is a spicy sauce that can be used as a marinade or to spice up any dish. If you want to bring a taste of the islands to your dish, this recipe is a must try!
    Read More

    Roasted Chili Corn Salsa

    Roasted chili corn salsa served in a bowl.

    Roasted Chili Corn Salsa (from Simply Scrumptious) is a delicious sweet, medium spicy, copycat recipe from chipotle. It’s quick, easy, and refreshing and made with simple ingredients. This flavor bursting vegetarian summer dip will be a show stopper side dish at your next get together!

    Read More

    Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Mashed Potatoes are a known classic, but making Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot is a new way to make this favorite side dish! The potatoes will be ready for mashing in just about 6 minutes, making this old favorite so much easier to make and enjoy!
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    Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes

    A pat of butter melting over a bowl of garlic redskin mashed potatoes with a spoon on the side.
    No holiday meal is complete without the perfect, creamy, mashed potatoes. This easy recipe is seasoned with garlic, green onions and loads of butter. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth delicious side dish!
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    Roasted Root Vegetables

    Serving spoon resting in a bowl of roasted root vegetables.

    Classic oven roasted root vegetables (from Little Sunny Kitchen) is an easy and healthy side dish that you can add to any meal. Make it to serve at a weeknight meal, or at your holiday table!

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    Smothered Green Beans

    Smothered green beans topped with bacon in a serving dish.

    You can quickly whip up this comforting side of easy Smothered Green Beans (from Budget Delicious) for dinner tonight and any holiday meal in less than 25 minutes.

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    Homemade Creamed Corn in the Instant Pot

    Creamed corn in a serving crock topped with black pepper.
    Homemade Creamed Corn in the Instant Pot is about to make your weeknight dinners so much easier and delicious. With a 3 minute cook time, you'll have a family favorite side on the table in no time!
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    Fried Plantain Recipe

    Fork picking up a piece of fried plantain from a bowl.

    Soft, sweet and juicy. This fried plantain recipe (from Sims Home Kitchen) is so quick and easy to prepare plus you only need two ingredients to make it! Plantain is a simple, versatile dish that can be served as a side with lunch, dinner or as a main with beans, eggs, stew and more.

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    Macaroni Pie from Barbados

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    This Macaroni Pie from Barbados is the ultimate comfort food. Barbados has made macaroni and cheese their own by adding evaporated milk, ketchup, and mustard to the dish. This baked casserole is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, with a perfectly cheesy center.
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    Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

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    This homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The cheese sauce is thick and creamy, and perfect for transporting you to a cheesy bliss. Plus it comes together in about 25-30 minutes from start to finish.  
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    Better Than Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice

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    I’m a huge fan of Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice (from Little Spice Jar), but my homemade version might actually be a bit better! Loaded with tons of fresh lime zest and punchy cilantro and mingling with fluffy, delicious garlic-scented rice! Perfect for burritos, bowls, and so much more!

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    Coconut Rice

    Small bowl of coconut rice.

    One day I decided to experiment with some coconut milk I had on hand to create “coconut rice”, (from Goodie Godmother) which is now my preferred method of rice preparation for curries, although it’s also great on its own. 

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    Instant Pot Jamaican Rice and Peas

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    This Jamaican Rice and Peas (from Real Food with Sarah) has all the delicious flavors of the traditional Caribbean side dish, but is quickly cooked in the pressure cooker! Have this easy coconut rice ready to eat with your favorite protein and Jamaican sides in less than 30 minutes.

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    Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes

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    These Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes (from Binky’s Culinary Carnival) are all spiced up with roasted garlic and herbs of your choice! Easy, delicious summer side dish with zero cleanup!

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    Grilled Jamaican Beef Patties

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    These Grilled Jamaican Beef Patties (from Carne Diem) are made with mostly easy to find ingredients. To season the ground beef you will need white pepper, beef broth, garlic powder, sweet paprika, ground all-spice, Caribbean Curry powder, olive oil, white onion, garlic, thyme, green onion, parsley, and scotch bonnet peppers.

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    Caribbean Callaloo Soup

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    Callaloo (from Food Fidelity) is as delicious as it is healthy. It’s made with nutritious but flavorful leafy greens plus peppers, okra, and fresh herbs. All of these ingredients are simmered slowly to produce incredible balance and delivers pure indulgence.

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