Where to Get Jerk Chicken Near Me

Jerk chicken is a popular Caribbean dish that is loaded with flavor If you love the spicy, smoky taste of jerk chicken, you may be wondering where you can get it near you Luckily, there are a number of restaurants and food trucks that serve up delicious jerk chicken, even if you don’t live near the Caribbean. Here’s an overview of where you can find jerk chicken close to home.

What is Jerk Chicken?

Jerk chicken is a type of grilled chicken that originated in Jamaica. It gets its name from the process of jerking, which involves marinating chicken in a very spicy blend of seasoning before grilling it over pimento wood. This imparts a spicy, smoky flavor to the meat.

The traditional jerk marinade contains ingredients like

• Scotch bonnet peppers or other very spicy peppers
• Onions
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Allspice
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Olive oil

This zesty marinade packs a punch of heat and spice Jerk chicken is traditionally cooked slowly over low heat from pimento wood This wood keeps the chicken moist while infusing it with a subtle smoky flavor.

Popular Jerk Chicken Joints

You don’t have to book a trip to Jamaica to enjoy tender, spicy jerk chicken. This island specialty has made its way to cities and towns across the US. Here are some of the most popular spots to get your jerk chicken fix:

Local Caribbean Restaurants

Look around for Caribbean restaurants in your area. A lot of them serve real jerk chicken made with traditional recipes and ingredients. Their chefs are from the islands, so they know just how to mix those spicy jerk spices.

Food Trucks

Mobile food businesses are all the rage, and many jerk chicken food trucks are cruising through cities across America. Track them down on social media or apps like Yelp to find their location each day. You’ll get tasty island fare no matter where you are.

Chain Restaurants

To cater to a wide range of tastes, some chain restaurants are adding jerk chicken to their menus. As an example, Applebee’s now has a Jamaican Jerk Chicken Plate with mango salsa, rice, and beans. This island favorite is also served at Boston Market, Nando’s, and Bahama Breeze.

Jerk Chicken Festivals

You might be lucky enough to have a jerk chicken festival in your town. Every year, big cities like New York, Miami, and Toronto have jerk fests where many vendors sell their own versions of jerk chicken and other Caribbean foods. You can really get into the music, food, and culture of the islands at these celebrations.

Make It at Home

If you can’t find a good restaurant nearby, make jerk chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. Look for jarred jerk marinades at the grocery store to make preparation easy. You can also find plenty of from-scratch jerk seasoning recipes online. Grilling the chicken yourself lets you control the spice level and smoky flavor.

Where to Find Jerk Chicken Near Me

Wondering exactly where to find jerk chicken in your neck of the woods? Here are some ways to track it down:

Online Reviews

Check sites like Yelp and Google to read reviews of jerk chicken at restaurants in your city. Look for places with high ratings and rave reviews about the flavorful chicken. Comments from fellow diners will give you an idea of the best spots.

Restaurant Finder Apps

Use apps like DoorDash or GrubHub to browse jerk chicken options in your area. Read the restaurant descriptions to find ones using authentic jerk seasoning. Many let you order delivery or pickup right through the app.

Social Media

Follow food trucks and pop-up jerk chicken vendors on Twitter and Facebook. They often post their location each day or announce specials. Social media makes it easy to stay on top of where they’ll be serving.

Ask Locals

Talk to people in your area to find out where to get great jerk chicken. People in your neighborhood, at work, and even at the West Indian market can tell you where to find the best jerk chicken.

Search Maps

Use maps to find Caribbean restaurants and BBQ joints near you. Search terms like “Jamaican food” or “island grill” can help you identify places likely to serve jerk chicken. View menus and customer reviews to confirm.

What to Look for in Jerk Chicken

Not all jerk chicken is created equal. Here is what to look for to identify tasty, authentic jerk chicken:

• A strong, spicy smoky aroma and flavor
• A marinade with a visible chili pepper kick
• Meat that is moist and tender, not dry
• A slightly blackened, charred exterior
• Well-seasoned meat that has soaked up the marinade
• A good balance of spiciness and sweetness
• Meat that falls easily off the bone
• Wood smoke flavor from being grilled over pimento wood or hardwood charcoal

Quality jerk chicken should pack some heat but also have good depth of flavor. The chicken should be nicely charred but not burnt. It should be well-marinated and juicy. Keep an eye out for these signs of good jerk chicken as you search in your area.

Jerk Chicken Dishes to Try

Jerk chicken lends itself well to many different dishes beyond just a plate of chicken or a sandwich. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy jerk chicken:

• Jerk chicken tacos or burritos – Shredded jerk chicken wrapped up in a warm tortilla with cool fixings like pineapple salsa and mango.

• Jerk chicken pizza – Pie topped with chopped jerk chicken, bell peppers, onions and Caribbean hot sauce.

• Jerk chicken pasta – Penne or rotini tossed with diced jerk chicken, tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan.

• Jerk chicken salad – Mixed greens with jerk chicken, black beans, tropical fruits, jalapeño and a tangy dressing.

• Jerk chicken and rice bowl – Fluffy rice topped with jerk chicken then finished with diced veggies and creamy sauce.

• Jerk chicken soup – Hearty soup loaded with tender jerk chicken, potatoes, carrots and Scotch bonnet peppers.

Don’t limit yourself to just main entrees. Try appetizers like jerk chicken wings, quesadillas or sliders too. The possibilities are endless for infusing dishes with the big, bold jerk chicken flavors.

Perfect Side Dishes for Jerk Chicken

What goes best with flavorful jerk chicken? Cool, creamy sides balance out the heat nicely. Here are some top side pairing suggestions:

• Coconut rice – The light sweetness plays off the spiciness nicely.

• Beans and rice – Black beans or red kidney beans with white rice round out the meal.

• Coleslaw – A crisp, vinegary slaw tames the heat.

• Tropical fruit – Pineapple, mango and papaya add fruity accents.

• Fried plantains – Savory, sweet smashed plantains are a Caribbean classic.

• Steamed vegetables – Cool green beans, broccoli or carrots provide contrast.

Don’t be afraid to try out unusual jerk chicken side pairings too, like street corn, potato salad or mac and cheese. The mix of flavors and temperatures makes for an exciting meal.

Make a Jerk Chicken Meal at Home

Having trouble finding a good spot for jerk chicken in your neighborhood? You can always recreate this island favorite at home.

Purchase jarred jerk seasoning or look up a homemade blend using dried chilies, garlic, thyme and other spices. Marinate your chicken for a few hours, or even better overnight.

For authentic jerk flavor, grill the chicken over pimento wood chips. An outdoor grill or even a grill pan on the stovetop will work well. Cook 10-15 minutes per side until nicely charred.

Pair your jerk chicken with coconut rice, black beans, mango salsa and fried plantains. You’ll feel like you’re dining in the Caribbean with this homemade feast!

The next time you get a craving for the tropical heat of jerk chicken, consult this guide on where to find it close to home. With so many restaurants, pop-ups and festivals serving it these days, you’re sure to find a taste of the islands no matter where you live. Just decide how much spice you can handle, then start searching for some finger-lickin’ good jerk chicken in your neighborhood.