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. Youll love the many options which include several side dishes that represent some of the ultimate pairings with spicy foods.
Caribbean jerk chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that needs side dishes that are just as tasty to go with it. With its unique mix of spices and smoky, grilled taste, jerk chicken begs for sides that will make the meal better. If you pick the right sides, your jerk chicken will go from great to amazing.
This article talks about 25 delicious foods that go well with Caribbean jerk chicken. These sides have something for everyone, from light salads to hearty grains and colorful fruits and vegetables.
Balancing Heat and Sweetness
Finding the right mix of flavors is important when choosing sides for jerk chicken. With its fiery Scotch bonnet peppers and strong spices, jerk seasoning needs sides that won’t overpower but will work well with it.
Sweet and savory sides are perfect for balancing the heat. The caramelized sugars on grilled pineapple make it a slightly sweet addition. The tropical sweetness of mango goes well with energizing tastes like lime juice and red onion in mango salsa. The creamy texture and mildly sweet coconut flavor of coconut rice also go well with
Cooling Things Down
After all that heat, cooling things down with a refreshing side is key. Bright salads packed with fresh veggies, like black bean salad or cucumber salad, give a lively crunch that resets the palate. Creamy potato salad and coleslaw also cool things down with their rich textures.
Mint and lime add freshness to sides like quinoa salad and cilantro lime rice. Don’t be afraid to serve a salad or two with your jerk chicken to give your meal balance.
Hearty Starches
While jerk chicken brings the heat, starchy sides provide sustenance. Rice, of course, is a classic choice. Beyond plain white rice, try flavors like coconut rice or Jamaican rice and peas. Bake or mash sweet potatoes for a sweet, hearty side.
Fried options also deliver substance and texture. Plantain chips offer crispy, ripe plantain slices, perfect for scooping sauces. Fried dumplings known as “festivals” are a popular Jamaican street food that complements jerk chicken wonderfully.
Vibrant Veggies
Vegetable sides provide nutrition, color, and flavor. Try roasted vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, kicked up with garlic seasoning. Grilled veggies like pineapple and mango work well when cooking outdoors.
Jamaican callaloo offers an authentic choice featuring leafy greens simmered with spices and tomatoes. Maque choux combines corn, peppers, and spices for a satisfying Creole side.
Authentic Accompaniments
For true Jamaican flavor, look to popular local sides. Jamaican rice and peas features coconut milk and pigeon peas for a dish rich in island flavor. Spicy Jamaican hot sauce served alongside perfectly complements jerk chicken.
Coco bread – slightly sweet, coconut-flavored bread – soaks up jerk chicken juices deliciously. Jamaican patties filled with spicy beef or pork also pair wonderfully.
Creative Sauces and Dips
Take your jerk chicken to the next level with flavorful sauces and dips. Opt for fruity choices like mango habanero or pineapple salsa to play up jerk chicken’s tropical vibe. Cooling yogurt sauce balances the heat. For authentic Jamaican flavor, make an island-inspired dipping sauce.
Set the Mood with Drinks
Complete your Caribbean chicken feast with tropical libations. Fruity rum punches infused with mango, pineapple, or passionfruit complement the flavors. For non-alcoholic choices, make ginger beer or fresh lemonade. Iced tea and Coke are easy options too.
Satisfying Jerk Chicken Meals
With so many possibilities, you can create amazing jerk chicken meals. Try coconut rice, black bean salad, and fried plantains. Or opt for Jamaican rice and peas, coco bread, and callaloo. Don’t forget cooling sides like cucumber salad and creamy coleslaw.
The next time you make jerk chicken, explore these 25 sides to take your meal to new heights. With the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors, these side dishes transform jerk chicken from a meal into a mouthwatering Caribbean feast.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is one of those summertime staples thats both easy and delicious. The key to grilling corn is getting the grill nice and hot before adding the corn, so it cooks evenly. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning once, until the corn is slightly charred. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper, or try some of these fun toppings!.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Classic BBQ side dish that everyone loves. It’s buttery, sweet and delicious! Grilled corn on the cob is light and refreshing.
Have you ever tried yuca fries before? Theyre a delicious alternative to traditional French fries. Made with yuca root, these fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. So why not give them a try next time youre in the mood for some fries?.
Yuca fries are the perfect Caribbean alternative to French fries. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these yummy fries are a delicious addition to any meal, but especially Jerk chicken!.
Making your own BBQ sauce is easier than you might think. In just a few simple steps, you can create a jerk sauce that will add spice and flavor to your next cookout. This recipe is perfect for chicken or pork, but feel free to experiment with other meats as well. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some homemade BBQ with your jerk chicken. Pineapple juice and homemade or store-bought jerk marinade are simply combined with your favorite bbq sauce.
Jerk BBQ Sauce
Jerk BBQ Sauce has a bold, spicy flavor that is sure to liven up any meal. This sauce has only a few ingredients and is great for dishes like Jamaican jerk chicken.
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
Moms, have you ever grilled sweet potatoes? If not, you’re missing out! Put them on the grill on a hot day and enjoy their sweet and smoky taste. 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. Cool down with grilled watermelon all year long. It tastes sweet and smokey, just like summer.
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 American than potato salad? This classic side dish is great for picnics, potlucks, and BBQs in the summer. You only need to chop up some potatoes, eggs, and onions and mix them with a few other simple things. 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.
How To Make Jamaican Jerk Chicken
FAQ
What do you serve with Jamaican jerk chicken?
A lot of the time, rice and peas (a dish made of rice and kidney beans), fried plantains, and festival (a sweet, fried cornmeal fritter) are served with Jamaican jerk chicken.
What flavors pair well with jerk?
Try a Dark and Stormy cocktail made with ginger beer and dark rum. It’s the perfect compliment to the bold flavors of the jerk seasoning. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a Smoky Margarita with a mezcal and lime juice base. It’s smoky, spicy, and everything nicey.
What to serve with Caribbean fried chicken?
Serve the chicken with the gravy, rice and peas, slaw and fried plantain on the side.
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. ).