In the Caribbean, jerk chicken is a staple dish. It’s also one of those dishes that can be made in so many different ways.
Some people make it with pineapple and others without; some folks use ketchup for the sauce while others prefer to go with hot pepper sauce or Jamaican pimento peppers.
To round out this delicious meal, we’re sharing some side dishes you might want to consider adding – like rice and peas, plantains, cornbread, or macaroni pie.
Do your best to keep an open mind as you read through these ideas- there are plenty of options out there!
What to Serve With Jerk Chicken? 10 BEST Side Dishes
1. Rice and Peas
Why are Jamaicans so obsessed with the combination of rice and peas? You might be wondering, but let us tell you why.
Rice is a staple food in Jamaica that has been grown for centuries whereas beans have only come to prominence recently as an export crop.
The two combine well not just because they’re both available on every street corner grocery store or market stall – each dish complements another’s flavoring beautifully!
It takes just 25 minutes to make this hearty Jamaican-style dinner with Jerk Chicken and Rice & Peas on top.
2. Plantain Chips
Why not make your jerk chicken even more authentic with homemade plantain chips?
Plantains are the fruit of a tree that grows in tropical climates, which is why they’re often used for cooking traditional Caribbean dishes.
The dish is very popular on its own and can be served as an appetizer to entice people to try out this new side dish option before diving into Jerk Chicken!
The flavor combination just generally works well together and it’s a nice change from the usual side dishes that you see all the time.
3. Coconut Rice
In Jamaica cuisine, many dishes are cooked using coconut milk and/or cream. One of these is rice with a distinct flavor that’s hard to miss: Coconut Rice!
We all know that Jerk chicken is always a delicious dish to cook, but sometimes it can be even better with coconut rice as the side. Why do you think?
Well for one thing there’s just something about that spicy jerk seasoning and sweet flavor of the coconut rice coming together on your palate at once – like an explosion waiting to happen!
4. Fried Plantains
Jerk chicken is already a spicy dish, so to balance out the heat it’s best served with something sweet and flavorful.
Fried plantains are just that! Not only do they provide an important contrasting flavor but their texture also compliments the meat very well as does rice or couscous which can be used as sides for both dishes.
Serving fried plantains alongside Jerk chicken will not only create more dimension in your meal but you’ll have a two-course dinner on hand too!
5. Cucumber Salad with Lime juice, Red onion, and Cilantro
Cucumber salad is a great side dish for any type of meat, but it especially goes well with Jerk chicken. The fresh taste balances the spicy so you can enjoy both flavors in every bite!
The cucumbers are sliced thin which allows them to soak up all these tasty marinade and spices while still maintaining their crunchy texture.
They’re low-carb, perfect if someone has been watching their weight lately or following keto diets that focus on fat instead of carbs (like Atkins).
For a light and refreshing taste, add lime juice, red onion, and cilantro to your salad!
6. Mango Salsa
You could try serving mango salsa as a side dish for your Jerk chicken. You’ll find it adds the perfect amount of sweetness and heat to compliment this spicy, savory dish!
Mango is always popular with kids because they’re so sweet – but you don’t want them getting bored just eating fruit all night long either.
Let’s not forget about their parents who may be looking forward to some meaty dishes that are also veggie-friendly: Mango will make any meal more fun without adding too much time or effort in prep work on top of everything else going on when preparing dinner for everyone after school/work.
7. Jamaican Jerk Sauce
Jerk sauce is a delicious and spicy Jamaican condiment. The best way to enjoy it? With jerk chicken, which has the same flavor profile!
Many people love Jerk Sauce because of its spiciness while others prefer this combination for home cooking due to the simplicity of getting ingredients in one jar or bottle.
It’s also great as an appetizer served with breadsticks when entertaining guests at your house so you can give them something different from what they’re used to eating every day – but still have that tasty Caribbean flare!
8 . Stewed Vegetables in Coconut Milk
If you’re hosting a Jamaican-themed dinner party, this is the perfect dish to serve up. In fact, it’s one of my favorite dishes in Jamaica for good reason!
The combination of stewed vegetables and jerk chicken makes an explosive flavor that will please anyone with discriminating taste buds.
I highly recommend trying it out if you have some free time on your hands because trust me when I say that they won’t regret coming over here tonight!
9. Corn on the cob
My favorite part about corn on the cob is when you get to eat it off of your fingers.
It’s a great way to cool down during those hot summer months, with some chicken cooked in Jerk sauce. The sweet-spicy taste combination will keep everyone at the table happy and satisfied!
I love serving up fresh vegetables as they’re high in nutrients that help our bodies grow strong from head to toe.
I also like adding jerk seasoning or other spices depending on what I’m cooking because there are so many different combinations – spicy, smoky savory, tangy citrus flavors that add an extra zestiness to your meal without having any additional calories since most seasonings have no fat content whatsoever!
10. Roasted Potatoes
For a flavorful twist on traditional roasted potatoes, try serving them with Jerk chicken. What’s the big deal?
They’re easy to make and they taste so much better than French fries. It’s got just the right amount of heat, spice, and citrus flavor that’ll have your mouth watering for more in no time flat.
Conclusion
I think you should try these side dishes to serve with your jerk chicken.
I’ve never been a fan of the traditional Jamaican dish, but I love some good spicy food.
That being said, if this is what you’re into then go ahead and get it all in one plate because that just means more flavors for you to enjoy.
So go ahead and spice up your dinner tonight with some Jamaican jerk chicken and these amazing side dishes.
What to Serve With Jerk Chicken? 10 BEST Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Rice and Peas
- Plantain Chips
- Coconut Rice
- Fried Plantains
- Cucumber Salad with Lime juice Red onion, and Cilantro
- Mango Salsa
- Jamaican Jerk Sauce
- Stewed Vegetables in Coconut Milk
- Corn on the cob
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list of options.
- Organize all required ingredients and prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less!
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