• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Food Blogging Resources
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Pip and Ebby

Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Sides » What To Serve With Jerk Chicken – 19 delicious ideas!

    What To Serve With Jerk Chicken – 19 delicious ideas!

    Published: Mar 18, 2022 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jerk chicken can be enjoyed in many ways, with its trademark spicy flavor. If you are searching for other foods that pair well with this main meal, read on for ideas about what to serve with jerk chicken.

    Piece of grilled jerk chicken next to cooked broccoli on a plate.

    One of the first dinners my husband and I fell in love with when we were dating was jerk chicken. We would throw a delicious marinade together on a Thursday night and let a few chicken breasts soak up its deliciousness.

    The following night, we would grill it up! We tweaked our recipe over the years and it became one of our favorites of all time. The chicken always turns out so juicy and tender and succulent.

    We often enjoyed this Jamaican cuisine with roasted or grilled potatoes, but there are many sides that pair well when eaten alongside it. Read on for some seriously delicious ideas about what to serve with jerk chicken!

    FAQ About Jerk Chicken

    What is jerk chicken?

    The word “jerk” in jerk chicken refers to a style of cooking where the chicken in the recipe is surrounded by various spices and other marinade ingredients and slow-cooked over a grill. Achieving a smoky flavor during cooking is what the “jerk” is referencing.

    How long to marinate jerk chicken?

    Marinate jerk chicken for a minimum of 4 hours in the fridge, but preferably overnight.

    How to make jerk chicken sauce?

    Jerk chicken sauce typically contains a combination of ingredients such as onions, peppers, garlic, herbs, brown sugar, soy sauce and vinegar. The sauce can be used as a marinade, then cooked and used as a delicious sauce.

    What to eat with jerk chicken?

    Many varieties of sides go well with jerk chicken, including salsa, rice, beans, potatoes, salad or any cooked veggies.

    Favorite Jerk Chicken Recipe

    This jerk chicken recipe is one of our favorite grilling recipes of all time, producing the most flavorful chicken and yummy sauce you can imagine. We love this dinner and make it for guests often during grilling season. The jerk marinade that the chicken swims in is to die for!

    Chicken and marinade in a plastic bag.

    Recipe Notes

    • The spice in this recipe can be catered to your liking! To decrease spiciness, omit jalapeno peppers and cayenne pepper. To increase the spice, add a habanero pepper or other hot peppers, as well as extra cayenne to the mix. You could also consider using a spicy dry rub on the chicken pieces before marinating.
    • For best results, allow chicken to marinate overnight. At minimum, marinate for 4 hours.
    • Add extra brown sugar for an extra sweet flavor or omit it entirely to remove sweetness.
    • Yellow and green onions are standard for this recipe, but red onion can be added, too.
    • To achieve a smoother consistency, toss the marinade ingredients into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
    • Use chicken breasts or chicken thighs, either bone-in or boneless.
    • Lime juice, lemon juice or a dash of orange juice will add fresh flavor to the marinade.
    • Make your own Teriyaki Sauce quickly and easily!

    What To Serve With Jerk Chicken – Best Side Dish Options

    • White rice, brown rice or cilantro lime rice
    • Fresh salsa
    • Leafy green salad or cucumber salad
    • Roasted potatoes or grilled potatoes
    • Plantains
    • Coleslaw
    • Potato salad
    • Baked potatoes or garlic potatoes
    • Fresh fruit slices such as mango or pineapple
    • French fries
    • Baked beans, black beans or red beans

    Cucumber Mango Salsa

    Cucumber mango salsa in a bowl.

    Who knew fruit other than a tomato goes great in salsa? The first time I even heard of mango salsa (from Dad with a Pan), my reaction was, “ummm, what?” After trying it I was surprised that something like mango would go so well as a salsa.

    So I’ve concocted my own, and to liven things up a bit, I added some jalapeno and cucumber to it that really gives it a good bite and a mild spice that you’ll love!

    Read More

    Jamaican Rice and Peas

    Big pan of Jamaican rice and peas with a serving spoon inside.

    Jamaican Rice and Peas (from African Bites) is an extraordinary rice dish packed with protein and fibers, with exploding savory flavors from scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and thyme. 

    Serve with Curry Goat or Jerk Chicken and you’ll have a wonderful Caribbean Feast in the comfort of your home.

    Read More

    Coleslaw with Apple Cider Vinegar

    Forkful of coleslaw being scooped up.

    Throwing together a delicious coleslaw recipe should be easy and simple. This coleslaw with apple cider vinegar recipes contains shredded cabbage, creamy vinaigrette dressing and it is NOT loaded down with mayo! This will be your go-to slaw for a dinner side, picnic fare and fish tacos!

    Read More

    Tamarind Drink

    Tamarind drink in two glasses with tamarinds on the table beside it.

    Tamarind Drink (from Jehan Can Cook) is a cool, refreshing treat. It is soaked in hot water to extract the flavors from the tamarind pods then sweetened.

    Read More

    Jamaican Hard Dough Bread

    Jamaican hard dough bread on a cutting board with 2 slices cut up.

    Jamaican hard dough bread (from Sian’s Cooking) with its soft thick crust and dense chewy interior is the perfect vessel for your favorite sandwich fixings. Or with butter alongside a mug of steaming hot chocolate.

    But, don’t take my word for it. Give this super easy recipe a try and taste for yourself.  I think you will agree that this chunky Jamaican bread really is second to none.

    Read More

    How To Cut A Pineapple

    Hand picking up a chunk of freshly cut pineapple.

    Learn how to cut a pineapple without waste by following a few simple steps! This can be the perfect addition to adding to a meal of jerk chicken. You can even grill your pineapple for a fun twist!

    Read More

    Jamaican Jerk Grilled Vegetables

    Grilled vegetables with jerk seasoning on them and a glass of wine by the plate.

    Jamaican Jerk Grilled Vegetables (from Craving Something Healthy) are a perfect combo of sweet and spicy. These are so easy to make on the grill, and a perfect accompaniment to meat or fish. And this jerk seasoning rub is delicious on meats or fish too.

    Read More

    Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    Half a sweet potato cut in half and mashed with a pat of butter melting on top.

    Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes are easy and delish! Reduce cook time in half compared to baking and they turn out perfectly every time with little effort.

    Read More

    Plantain Chips

    Fried plantains in a serving plate with a bowl of condiment sauce on the side.

    This is one of my all-time favorite Caribbean snacks and if you are from the Caribbean, then you must surely recognize these chips. Growing up, plantain chips (from Alica’s Pepperpot) was a staple in my house. 

    Read More

    Vegetable Rice Salad

    Vegetable rice salad in a green bowl.

    Vegetable Rice Salad is absolutely perfect for small or large gatherings. Great as lunch, a party food or a side to dinner. It is colorful and packed with delicious flavor and textures and perfect for any occasion, summer or otherwise!

    Read More

    How To Make Ginger Beer

    Homemade Ginger beer in a glass container and some poured into a glass with a lemon wedge garnished on the side.

    How to make homemade ginger beer (from The Roasted Root), including photos and a video! This simply recipe is lower in sugar than store-bought ginger beer, contains vitamins and probiotics, and is a healthier alternative to most carbonated drinks.

    Read More

    Potato Salad

    Bowl of potato salad with eggs sitting in front of an Instant Pot.

    Cook potatoes and eggs together in a single pot to make Instant Pot Potato Salad with Eggs. Done in less than 30 minutes and requires minimal clean-up. This is the perfect party food or summer side dish!

    Read More

    Southern Collard Greens

    Collard greens with pieces of meat in a bowl and a fork tucked into it.

    These authentic Southern Collard Greens (from Grandbaby Cakes) are braised in a savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture! Serve with this cornbread or corn muffins and hot sauce for a true down home meal. Looking for the real deal? This is a true Southerner’s dream!  

    Read More

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

    Sweet potato fries on a baking sheet.

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries is a delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes! The air fryer works its magic and transforms them into a sweet or savory treat or side that will not last long.

    Read More

    Hawaiian Rolls

    Hawaiian rolls in a bowl.

    Hawaiian Rolls (from Butter and Baggage) have just a hint of sweetness and are so so fluffy. EASY to make and perfect every time. The BEST yeast rolls you’ll ever make. 

    Read More

    Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

    Cob on the corn ears in a serving bowl.

    Instant Pot corn on the cob 6 ears recipe allows you to simplify meal-time so you can enjoy every morsel of summer.

    Read More

    Easy Coconut Rice

    Serving bowl filled with coconut rice and garnished with chopped cilantro.

    Coconut flavours are the prevalent ingredient in almost every Thai or South Asian entree. You rarely come across an entree that doesn’t call for a can of coconut milk or cream. Once you try easy coconut rice (from Ahead of Thyme), you will see how quickly it will turn into the option of choice.

    Read More

    Smashed Potatoes

    Smashed potatoes with garlic and butter on top on a baking sheet.

    The marriage between Baked Potatoes and Mashed Potatoes: Oven SMASHED Potatoes! These baby potatoes are petite and cook up easily, then combine with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and jalapeno to bake to a crispy finish. Deliciously different and the perfect side dish for any meal!

    Read More

    Jamaican Jerk Sauce

    A glass container of Jamaican jerk sauce with a small portion poured into a bowl with half a lime sitting next to it.

    This Jamaican jerk sauce (from Chili Pepper Madness) recipe is made with fiery Scotch Bonnets peppers, aromatics and a number of seasonings that make it a must for spicy sauce lovers. Goes great with chicken or seafood.

    Read More
    Four food photos in a grid with text overlay reading, "What to serve with jerk chicken."
    « What To Serve With Cabbage – 15 delicious ideas!
    Paula Deen Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Megan and I am so happy you are here! Whether you are looking for a healthy salad, easy dinner or indulgent dessert, I've got you covered! Let's dig deeper →

    Web Stories Library

    Dominate Your Instant Pot!

    Food Blogging Resources

    Desserts For Fall

    cropped-0818OreoBalls511B9431post.jpg

    3 Ingredient No Bake Oreo Balls Recipe

    What to Make With Pumpkin Puree – 10 ideas!

    Homemade Butterfingers Recipe

    Baked Apple Slices With Cinnamon Recipe

    Blueberry Baked Cheesecake Recipe with Peaches

    Cinco de Mayo Dessert Recipes – 25 delicious ideas!

    Comforting Soups

    Easy Crab Soup Recipe

    Ham Bone Bean Soup With Potatoes

    How Long Does Chili Last In The Fridge

    Substitute For Beans In Chili – 9 Options!

    How Long Does Potato Soup Last In The Fridge

    Easy Chili Recipe

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    As Featured In

    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 Pip and Ebby on the Foodie Pro Theme