Have you ever made delicious jerk chicken? Its so good! And its really easy to make. But what do you serve with it? Ive got some ideas for you. Check out my blog post for some banging delicious ideas. Trust me, you wont be disappointed!.
Jerk Chicken along with brown stew chicken is like Jamaican soul food. It’s a whole vibe, and soul food-level sides, desserts, appetizers, and drinks go well with such a great dish. Just remember to reserve some of that jerk marinade used in the chicken. It goes great with other dishes like roasted onion steaks.
You don’t have to stress about what to serve with Jamaican jerk chicken. Just read this list of great sides, which includes both traditional favorites and new takes on old favorites. You’ll love all the choices, including the side dishes that go best with spicy foods.
Jamaicans love jerk chicken, which is made by letting chicken sit in a spicy mix of herbs and spices for a while. People know it for its unique mix of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Jerk chicken is great by itself, but when you serve it with the right sides, it’s even better. You can find my list of the best side dishes to serve with jerk chicken here.
Jerk chicken originated in Jamaica, where street food vendors would grill seasoned chicken over pimento wood to impart a delicious smoky flavor. The traditional jerk marinade contains spices like allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic and ginger. When rubbed on chicken and grilled, these spices infuse the meat with sweet, spicy and earthy flavors. The smokiness from the pimento wood ties everything together beautifully.
Jerk chicken is juicy and full of flavor, and the grill gives it a beautiful char. It’s the perfect mix of savory, spicy, and sweet, which is why it goes so well with some sides. The right sides can bring out the flavors in the chicken or make them stand out.
Choosing Sides based on Flavor Profiles
When deciding what to serve with jerk chicken, keep these guidelines in mind:
Complementary Flavors
Sides with flavors that go well with the chicken, like sweet, spicy, or herb-based, will make the flavors stand out even more. Good options are pineapple, mango, beans and rice.
Cooling Contrasts
Since jerk chicken can be very spicy, creamy coleslaw or zucchini salad are great to balance it out. Sides with a lot of starch, like bread, potatoes, or rice, can also help cool things down.
Crunchy Textures
Crispy, crunchy sides provide textural contrast to the tender chicken. Corn fritters, sweet potato fries, fried plantains are great options.
Caribbean Inspiration
Sides with Caribbean flavors like rice and peas, callaloo or escovitch fish pair nicely with the Jamaican jerk chicken.
The Best Side Dishes for Jerk Chicken
Here are some of the most popular and delicious options:
1. Rice and Peas
A classic Jamaican side dish, rice and peas provides a nice starchy base for the spicy chicken. Made with coconut milk and kidney beans, it has a lovely sweet and earthy flavor. The beans also add protein to balance out the meal.
2. Coleslaw
Cool and crunchy coleslaw, with its tangy dressing and fresh vegetables, is a perfect foil for fiery jerk chicken. The creaminess helps tame the heat.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Sweet grilled veggies like pineapple, bell peppers and zucchini make great sides for jerk chicken. They pick up a nice char flavor and provide vitamin-rich contrast.
4. Callaloo
Callaloo is a leafy Caribbean green similar to collard greens. Boiled and seasoned, it has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that pairs beautifully with jerk chicken.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potato wedges or fries helps counterbalance spicy jerk. Plus, the crispy edges provide textural contrast.
6. Fried Plantains
Sweet, salty, crispy fried plantain chips or slices pair wonderfully with jerk chicken. Their soft interior and crunchy exterior provides lovely textural contrast.
7. Cornbread
Crumbly cornbread, corn fritters or hushpuppies serve as a delicious starchy side for jerk chicken. They also help soak up the sauce.
8. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, indulgent mac and cheese may seem unconventional, but it’s a delicious side for jerk chicken. The creamy pasta cools the heat of the dish.
9. Mango Salsa
Fresh mango salsa, with its sweet and tangy tropical flavors, provides the perfect cooling complement to spicy jerk chicken. It also adds vitamins and freshness.
Putting Together the Full Meal
A good jerk chicken dinner plate should have the right balance of flavors, textures and nutrition. Here are two recommended full meal ideas:
Meal Option 1
- Jerk Chicken
- Rice and Peas
- Coleslaw
- Grilled Pineapple Slices
Meal Option 2
- Jerk Chicken
- Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
- Callaloo
- Cornbread
- Mango Salsa
With the right combination of sides, you can create a delicious and balanced jerk chicken dinner. So try out some of these side dish ideas and let the flavors transport you to the Caribbean!
Here are 27 of our favorite combinations that will complement the spicy flavors of jerk chicken perfectly:
Jamaican rice and peas is a great side dish that is both easy and tasty. It is made with coconut milk, herbs, and spices, and both kids and adults will love it. This Jamaican staple is simple to make, hearty, and flavorful. Give this dish a try next time youre looking for something new!.
Jamaican Rice & Peas
Classic dish that is traditionally made with rice, kidney beans, and coconut milk. It is a staple of Jamaican cuisine and is often served with fish or jerk chicken but it can also be enjoyed on its own.
Do you like cabbage? I do. And, I especially love Jamaican steamed cabbage. The Scotch bonnet peppers give it some heat, and the bell peppers, onions, and carrots give it some sweetness. Plus, its really easy to make. Just chop up the veggies and put them in a pot with some water. Cook until tender, then season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. So good! Give Jamaican steamed cabbage a try today! You wont be disappointed.
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
This delicious Jamaican steamed cabbage is the perfect side dish to pair with your spicy jerk chicken. The crunchy texture and flavorful taste make this dish a must-have for any meal.
There’s no better side dish than this coconut rice recipe if you want to try something new and easy. The combination of coconut milk and rice results in a dish that is both creamy and flavorful. Plus, its simple enough that even beginner cooks can make it. So give this Caribbean dish a try the next time youre looking for something new!.
Coconut Rice
Looking for a delicious way to transport yourself to the Caribbean? Look no further than Coconut Rice. This dish is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Coconut Rice is perfect for a quick and easy meal, and its also great for entertaining guests.
Have you ever had fried sweet plantains? if not, youre missing out! this delicious dish is a cross between a banana and a potato, and its perfect for a quick snack or a side dish. Theyre crispy on the outside, and soft and sweet on the inside. Plus, theyre really easy to make. You just need a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time. This version is seasoned with a jerk spice blend and gives you a sweet option balanced with savory flavors. Lets get it started!
Fried Sweet Plantains
Fried Sweet Plantains are a delicious, easy to make, classic Jamaican soul food that goes with everything. Theyre perfect as a side dish or a snack.
This post is for all the moms out there who are always looking for new and interesting recipes to add to their rotation. Today, were talking about jollof rice – Its a West African side dish made with rice, tomatoes, garlic cloves, ginger, and scotch bonnets that is so good, itll make your taste buds dance. So if youre looking for a new tasty dish to try, be sure to give jollof rice a go. You wont regret it!
Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is a West African soul food side beloved in the region. It is a delicious, spicy dish that brings comfort to anyone who eats it. The rice is cooked in a sauce of tomatoes and onions flavored with spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground coriander seeds.
Have you ever cooked okra? If not, youre missing out! Okra is a delicious vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Stewed okra is my favorite way to enjoy okra. This dish is simple to prepare and a perfect side dish for dinner. So what are you waiting for? Lets get started!
Stewed Okra
Delicious comfort food that happens to be plant-based. Its highly flavorful and classic Southern cooking which so much soul.
Summer is in full swing and that means cookouts and outdoor parties are happening all the time. This smashed cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for any summer get-together and a great fit with Jerk Chicken. Its light, refreshing, and easy to make. Plus, its a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you have lying around. So give this recipe a try and enjoy your summertime celebrations!
A light and refreshing side dish thats perfect for cooling down spicy food. The amazing texture comes from smashing the cucumbers.
There are a few things in this world that I know for sure. One is that my family loves Caribbean food. Another is that they love collard greens. So when I was thinking about what to make for dinner the other night and these two facts popped into my head, it was a no-brainer – curried collard greens! The end result was a delicious meal that the entire loved. And bonus – its incredibly easy to make! If youre looking for a tasty weeknight dinner idea, check out this recipe for curried collard greens. You wont be disappointed!
Curried Collard Greens
A vegan/vegetarian-friendly soul food dish that is a fusion of traditional Southern cooking with Caribbean spices. The collard greens are cooked in coconut milk, which adds rich flavor.
One of my favorite things to do is experiment in the kitchen. I love finding new ways to cook old favorites and turning everyday ingredients into something special. Recently, I decided to try my hand at a collard greens slaw and it turned out great! If youre looking for a great side dish featuring leafy greens, this is definitely worth trying.
The classic BBQ side dish that’s tasty and easy to make! This slaw is the perfect twist on a Southern classic. It’s a delicious, creamy coleslaw with just enough tangy flavor.
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
Moms, have you ever grilled sweet potatoes? If not, youre missing out! Grill them up on a hot day and enjoy their delicious smoky sweet flavor. Plus, their sweet cooling nature is perfect for any summer main dish meal like spicy jerk chicken. Serve with mango salsa and give them a try today!
These sweet potato wedges are so delicious, you won’t believe they were cooked on a grill! They’re a great vegan soul food option thats ready in minutes.
Have you ever had callaloo soup? Its a delicious Caribbean soup made with greens and coconut milk. If youre looking for an easy, tasty soup to make, give this callaloo soup a try! You wont be disappointed!
A classic Caribbean dish thats plant-based, tasty, and versatile. It can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer.
Summertime is all about grilling out with friends and family. This year, take your grilled dishes up a notch by adding some delicious watermelon. Grilled watermelon is an impeccable dish and its sweet flavor is the perfect balance against the heat of jerk chicken. Follow this simple recipe to grill your own watermelon this summer.
A delicious, plant-based appetizer or side dish thats perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and smoky flavor, grilled watermelon is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
Have you ever tried avocado salad? Its a really delicious dish thats perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, its easy to customize to your liking and create different flavor combinations. This version is Cuban-inspired leveraging ingredients like lime juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Check out this recipe for some ideas on how to make your own avocado salad.
Delicious, plant-based appetizer or side dish. This Cuban-inspired dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Fresh avocado is the perfect pairing for jerk chicken.
Is there anything more quintessentially American than potato salad? This summertime classic side dish is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and picnics. And its so easy to make – just chop up some potatoes, eggs, and onions, and mix in a few simple ingredients. Plus, there are endless variations on this dish, so you can customize it to your taste. So why not give it a try this weekend? Your friends and family will love it and invite you back!
Classic soul food side dish thats perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Comfort food at its best – easy to make and a crowd pleaser.
Watermelon wedge salad is a delicious, summery dish thats perfect for picnics and potlucks. Its easy to make, and its always a hit with crowds. Best of all, its refreshing, so you can indulge guilt-free! Make this tasty and refreshing version.
The perfect side dish for your bbq or any summer day. This refreshing salad can be made in minutes and will have everyone asking for more. Cool off your tongue after munching on spicy jerk chicken.
The Jerk Chicken Kings of Jamaica
FAQ
What can I serve with jerk chicken?
Jerk chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Classic Caribbean choices include rice and peas (or coconut rice), fried plantains, and coleslaw.
What vegetables go with jerk chicken besides rice?
Vegatables: Roasting vegetables like sweet potatoes or corn or boiled vegatables such as Yam or Green Banana can be a fantastic way to add a healthy and …Sep 23, 2023.
What pairs well with honey jerk chicken?
8 Sides for Jerk Chicken01 of 08. Jamaican Rice and Peas. Abby Hocking. 02 of 08. Jamaican Callaloo. 03 of 08. Jamaican Hot Sauce. 04 of 08. Snapper Escovitch. 05 of 08. Kwame’s Pepper Shrimp. 06 of 08. Jamaican Jerk Pork Patties. 07 of 08. Jamaican Coco Bread. 08 of 08. “Festival” (Jamaican Cornbread Fritters).
What goes with jerk wings for dinner?
To serve, enjoy your jerk wings with a side of bread (hard-dough bread is traditionally used) or with your favorite side (ie grilled corn, potatoes, rice, veggies, etc. ).