What To Serve With Jerk Chicken

Jerk chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish that has been around for centuries.

With its unique and flavorful marinade, it’s no wonder why this dish is so popular!

If you’re looking to add some Jamaican flare to your next meal, consider serving jerk chicken with one of these 15 delicious dishes.

From traditional sides like plantains and rice and peas, to more modern takes on side dishes, there’s something here for everyone.

So let’s get cooking!

Why These Side Dishes Goes Well With Jerk Chicken – By Chef Natalie

To save you time, and to make your decision easy, I have built a nice chart on why these side dishes go well with Jerk Chicken!

Side Dish	Reason
Plantains	Sweet and starchy, complements the spicy flavors of jerk chicken.
Rice and Peas	Traditional Caribbean side dish that pairs well with jerk chicken.
Sweet Potato Salad	Offers a creamy and sweet contrast to the spiciness of jerk chicken.
Cornbread	Provides a comforting and slightly sweet accompaniment to jerk chicken.
Fried Green Bananas	Adds a unique and savory element to the meal.
Mango Salsa	Refreshing and tangy, balances the heat of jerk chicken.
Coleslaw	Provides a cool and crunchy side dish that complements jerk chicken.
Roasted Vegetables	Adds a variety of flavors and textures to the meal.
Cucumber Salad	Offers a fresh and light option to balance the spiciness of jerk chicken.
Caribbean Rice	Fragrant and flavorful rice that enhances the taste of jerk chicken.
Baked Sweet Potatoes	Offers a sweet and satisfying side dish to accompany jerk chicken.
Fried Plantains	Sweet and caramelized, pairs well with the bold flavors of jerk chicken.
Coconut Rice	Creamy and fragrant, complements the spicy jerk chicken.
Caribbean Curry	A rich and flavorful curry that pairs well with jerk chicken.
Plantain Chips	Provides a crispy and savory snack option with jerk chicken.

1. Plantains

Plantains are an indispensable side dish when serving jerk chicken.

They may not look like much, but they bring a unique sweetness to the table that complements the fiery spices of jerk chicken.

Plantains are in the same family as bananas and can be fried, boiled, or roasted.

When preparing plantains for jerk chicken, it’s best to fry them.

This will give them a crispy texture on the outside while still maintaining their creamy sweetness on the inside.

To fry plantains, simply peel them and cut them into thin slices before frying them in hot oil for about 2 minutes per side.

For an extra flavor kick, you can season with salt and pepper before frying.

Fried plantains are sure to add a delightful sweetness to your jerk chicken dinner.

They’ll make the perfect accompaniment no matter how spicy your jerk chicken is!

Serve alongside rice and beans for a complete Caribbean meal that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

2. Rice And Peas

Plantains are an essential accompaniment to jerk chicken, as they provide a sweet and savory contrast to the spicy dish.

But it doesn’t stop there – rice and peas are also a must-have, bringing in even more flavor and texture.

Rice and peas offer a delightfully nutty taste along with their creamy texture.

They pair perfectly with the rich flavors of jerk chicken, making it an excellent meal for dinner gatherings or family meals.

The combination of plantains, rice and peas, and jerk chicken is truly unbeatable!

Here are some tips for maximizing flavor when making this classic Caribbean dish:

• Be generous with the spices you choose – add more than you think you need!
• Toast your grains before adding them to the pot for extra nuttiness
• Use coconut milk as a vegan alternative to traditional cow’s milk

This classic Caribbean dish is sure to please any palate – its unique blend of flavors will transport your taste buds right into the heart of Jamaica.

Enjoy this delicious mix of plantains, rice and peas, and jerk chicken!

3. Sweet Potato Salad

Nothing complements jerk chicken quite like a sweet potato salad.

This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the potatoes providing the sweetness, and the jerk seasoning bringing the heat.

It’s an ideal side for any outdoor barbeque or picnic.

The key to making a great sweet potato salad lies in the dressing.

A classic combination is equal parts mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, but you can also experiment with different ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some cilantro or jalapeño peppers for an extra kick!

Whichever dressing you choose to use, make sure it’s well-combined before tossing it with the potatoes so that each bite is evenly coated.

For extra crunch and texture, add some diced bell pepper or red onion to your creation.

You can also top it off with some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Sweet potato salad pairs wonderfully with jerk chicken – it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

4. Cornbread

If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your jerk chicken, look no further than cornbread.

This classic Southern staple is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and is guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner table.

Cornbread has a unique flavor that works perfectly with the smoky notes of jerk chicken.

It can be served either sweet or savory depending on your preference, making it a versatile accompaniment to any meal.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – all you need are a few simple ingredients and an oven!

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy cornbread with your jerk chicken:

• Add honey or maple syrup for a sweet twist
• Top with cheese and jalapenos for an extra kick
• Sprinkle with herbs and spices like rosemary or garlic powder for added flavor.

No matter how you choose to serve it, cornbread is sure to be the perfect complement to your jerk chicken dish!

5. Fried Green Bananas

If you’re looking for something to serve up alongside your jerk chicken that is sure to tantalize taste buds and make mouths water, fried green bananas are the way to go.

These savory little bites of deliciousness will add a unique flavor to your meal that no one will be able to resist.

Preparing them is easy and takes just minutes, so why not give it a try? To get started on your fried green bananas, pick out several firms yet ripe bananas from the bunch.

The riper they are, the sweeter they will be when fried. Peel them and cut them into slices about 1/4 inch thick.

Heat up some oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the banana slices.

Fry until golden brown, flipping them halfway through.

Once done, remove from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off any excess grease.

Sprinkle with some salt or your favorite seasoning and serve while still hot! Fried green bananas will become an instant hit at your table – trust us! With such a unique flavor profile, these mouthwatering morsels are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

So whip up some of these tasty treats today and enjoy!

6. Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is the perfect accompaniment to jerk chicken.

It adds a tangy sweetness to the spicy flavors of the chicken, and its vibrant colors add to the visual appeal of the dish.

Mango salsa is easy to make using fresh mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Start by cutting a ripe mango into small cubes and adding it to a bowl along with chopped red onion.

Finely mince some cilantro leaves and add that to the mix.

Squeeze half a lime over the mixture and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Give everything a good stir until it’s all combined in one delicious concoction – you can even adjust the ingredients according to your own taste!

Serve alongside your jerk chicken and enjoy an unforgettable combination of sweet-spicy flavors.

7. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is an essential accompaniment for jerk chicken, adding a creamy and crunchy contrast to the spiciness of the jerk marinade.

The cool, tangy bite of a good coleslaw can really bring out the flavors of the jerk chicken, making it all the more enjoyable.

To get the perfect coleslaw you need to start with fresh ingredients and take your time to make sure everything is just right.

For an authentic Jamaican-style coleslaw try using a combination of white and red cabbage, along with some grated carrot and sweet onion.

Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing and use mayonnaise or creme fraiche as your base.

You can also add additional herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor.

Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper for that finishing touch! Making your own coleslaw allows you to customize it to your taste preferences – so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients until you find something that works best for you.

Serve alongside warm jerk chicken for a truly delicious meal that’s sure to please even the most discerning eater!

8. Roasted Vegetables

Nothing pairs better with an aromatic and spicy jerk chicken than a side of roasted vegetables.

Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural flavors, adding a delicious element of texture and flavor to any meal.

And when it comes to jerk chicken, the combination of these two elements creates an unforgettable dish!

Here are five easy tips for roasting vegetables that will make your jerk chicken even more irresistible:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.

• Toss the vegetables in oil and seasonings before placing them onto a baking sheet.

• Cook until they’re tender and lightly browned, stirring once or twice during the cooking process.

• Serve warm with your delicious jerk chicken.

No matter what kind of vegetable you choose, roasting them will add depth to your jerk chicken dish.

Whether you’re using carrots, parsnips, potatoes, Brussels sprouts or any other veggie, they’ll be sure to compliment all the fantastic flavors of this Caribbean classic.

So don’t forget to include some roasted veggies next time you whip up some jerk chicken – you won’t regret it!

9. Cucumber Salad

A cool cucumber salad is the perfect accompaniment to spice up your jerk chicken dinner.

Its refreshing and crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast to the fiery, fragrant flavors of the chicken.

The salty-sweet combination of fresh cucumbers, herbs, and a honey-lemon vinaigrette create an incredibly delicious dish that will satisfy all your guests.

To prepare this easy side dish, start by slicing two large cucumbers into thin rounds and adding them to a medium bowl.

Then add 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped mint and dill, as well as 1 cup of feta cheese crumbles.

For the dressing, combine 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground pepper in a small bowl.

Whisk until blended and pour over the cucumber mixture.

Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing and serve alongside your jerk chicken for an unforgettable meal.

This simple yet flavorful salad will take any dinner to the next level – no matter what you’re serving! With its bright colors and vibrant flavors it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

10. Caribbean Rice

A plate of jerk chicken is an explosion of flavor and can be a great addition to any meal. To round out the experience, it’s important to pair it with sides that are just as tantalizing and flavorful.

One go-to side dish for jerk chicken is Caribbean Rice, a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. This simple yet delicious side dish combines long-grain white rice with onion, garlic, bell pepper, scallions, and thyme for flavor.

Once cooked in chicken broth and coconut milk, the rice becomes fluffy and fragrant. The perfect accompaniment to jerk chicken!

To make Caribbean Rice:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat; add onion, garlic and bell pepper; cook until softened.

2. Add rice; cook and stir until lightly browned then add scallions and thyme; cook one minute more.

3. Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk; bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed (about 25 minutes).

You’ll love this side dish with its fragrant aroma from the thyme and creamy texture from the coconut milk – it will have your mouth watering before it even hits the table! Enjoy!

11. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to jerk chicken.

Their subtle sweetness brings out the smoky, spicy flavors of the dish in a way that can’t be matched.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly simple to prepare, so you can easily whip up a batch on busy weeknights without too much fuss.

To make them, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Scrub two large sweet potatoes then slice them into 1-inch thick rounds — this will ensure they cook evenly throughout.

Place the slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and season generously with salt and pepper.

Drizzle the slices with some olive oil and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and tender.

For an extra flavor kick, sprinkle over some fresh thyme leaves right before serving. Serve alongside your jerk chicken for a delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy any appetite!

12. Fried Plantains

Fried plantains are the perfect accompaniment to jerk chicken.

This classic Caribbean side dish is easy to make and will take your meal to the next level.

Plus, it’s a great way to add a bit of sweetness and texture to an already savory dish.

Here’s what you need:

• 2 ripe plantains
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• A large skillet

To prepare, start by slicing the plantains into thin coins – about 1/4 inch thick will do.

Heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add in the olive oil.

Once hot, add in the plantain slices in a single layer and sprinkle with salt.

Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown, then remove from heat and set aside.

Serve with your jerk chicken while still warm – enjoy!

13. Coconut Rice

If you’re looking for a perfect side dish to serve with jerk chicken, coconut rice is the way to go.

This Caribbean classic pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors of jerk chicken, elevating your meal from good to great! Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.

Let’s take a closer look at this delicious combination. Here’s a breakdown of what makes coconut rice and jerk chicken such an excellent pair:

Coconut Rice	Jerk Chicken
Sweet	Spicy
Creamy	Savory
Aromatic	Smoky
Hearty	Rich
Nutty	Flavorful

Whether served as an entree or as part of a larger spread, this combination will tantalize the taste buds.

The sweetness of the creamy coconut rice complements the spiciness and smokiness of the jerk chicken perfectly.

On top of that, you get a hearty nutty flavor and rich savoriness that make every bite more mouthwatering than the last.

It’s no surprise that this classic combo is so popular!

So if you’re looking for a flavorful side dish to go with your jerk chicken, consider giving coconut rice a try – your taste buds will thank you for it!

14. Caribbean Curry

Caribbean Curry is a great accompaniment to jerk chicken that adds even more flavor and complexity to the dish.

The combination of spices, herbs, and vegetables creates a unique blend that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Here are some ideas for making your own Caribbean Curry:

• Start with a base of oil and onions, adding minced garlic and ginger for an extra kick.

• Then choose your favorite curry paste or powder – mild, medium, or spicy – as well as any other herbs and spices you’d like to use.

• Add your choice of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, spinach, bell peppers, or any other combination you can think of.

• Finally, top it off with coconut milk for added creaminess!

This Caribbean Curry is sure to be a hit alongside jerk chicken at any gathering!

Its unique blend of flavors will take everyone’s taste buds on an exciting journey.

15. Plantain Chips

Moving on from Caribbean curry, plantain chips are a great accompaniment to jerk chicken.

Sure, there’s the traditional side of potatoes or rice – but why not take it up a notch with this delicious and easy-to-make snack?

Plantains may look like bananas’ bigger cousins, but they have a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy jerk seasonings.

To make them even more special, you can top them off with a dash of lime juice for a hint of citrusy sweetness.

Making plantain chips is surprisingly simple.

All you need is some overripe plantains, olive oil, and salt.

Slice the peeled plantain into thin rounds and heat your oil in a pan until it’s hot enough to fry the chips.

Once they’re golden brown and crisp, remove them from the pan and sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot.

Serve your plantain chips alongside your jerk chicken for an extra crunchy treat!

Plantain chips are an easy way to jazz up mealtime without adding too much effort or time in the kitchen.

Plus, their unique flavor will be sure to please everyone at the table – even those who don’t usually reach for seconds! So skip the boring mashed potatoes and serve up some tasty homemade chips instead – you won’t regret it!

Conclusion

I’ve given you 15 delicious dishes to serve with jerk chicken.

Whether you’re looking for something crunchy or a Caribbean-inspired side, there’s something on this list for everyone.

From plantain chips to coconut rice, these sides are guaranteed to take your meal up a notch.

And don’t forget about the fried green bananas and sweet potato salad! They bring the perfect balance of flavors and textures that your guests will love.

So why not give them a try next time you prepare jerk chicken? You won’t regret it!