What To Serve With Jerk Chicken

When you’re cooking up a delicious batch of jerk chicken, what side dishes do you serve with it? Do you go with something simple like rice and peas, or do you get a little more creative?

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best side dishes to serve with jerk chicken.

We’ll give you a variety of recipes to choose from, so you can find the perfect dish for your meal!

Roasted Potatoes
Corn On The Cob
Stewed Vegetables In Coconut Milk
Jamaican Jerk Sauce
Mango Salsa
Cucumber Salad With Lime Juice, Red Onion, And Cilantro
Fried Plantains
Coconut Rice
Plantain Chips
Rice And Peas

Roasted Potatoes

Jerk chicken is a classic dish that is often served with rice and beans. However, roasted potatoes make an excellent side dish for jerk chicken as well.

The potatoes can absorb the flavors of the chicken, and the crispiness of the potatoes pairs well with the tenderness of the chicken. In addition, roasted potatoes are a healthy side dish option as they are low in fat and calories.

When choosing a recipe for roasted potatoes, look for one that includes herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic. These ingredients will help to enhance the flavor of the potatoes and complement the spices in the jerk chicken.

Corn On The Cob

Many side dishes can be paired with jerk chicken, but one of the most popular choices is corn on the cob. This dish is a perfect complement to the spicy flavors of jerk chicken, and it can also help temper the heat for those who are not used to eating spicy food.

Corn on the cob is also a very versatile dish, and it can be easily adapted to suit any number of recipes. For example, you could add some butter and garlic to the corn for an extra flavorful side dish, or you could pair it with a simple salad for a light and healthy meal.

Stewed Vegetables In Coconut Milk

Stewed vegetables in coconut milk are an excellent side dish for jerk chicken. This classic Jamaican dish is typically made with a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and green beans.

The vegetables are simmered in a flavorful coconut milk broth, which helps to moisten and flavor the chicken. The stewed vegetables in coconut milk also add a wonderful textural contrast to the chicken, providing a refreshing and satisfying bite.

When paired with jerk chicken, this side dish provides all the flavors and textures necessary for a well-rounded meal. It is also versatile enough to be used with other recipes, such as curries or stews.

Jamaican Jerk Sauce

Jerk sauce is a traditional Jamaican condiment that is typically used as a marinade or dipping sauce for jerk chicken. However, jerk sauce can also be used as a flavorful side dish.

When used as a side dish, jerk sauce can add a spicy kick to any number of recipes. It is also a great way to add some extra flavor to plain rice or beans.

In addition, jerk sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for other meats or vegetables.

Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a perfect choice for jerk chicken. The sweetness of the mangoes helps to balance out the spice of the chicken, and the salsa provides a fresh, flavorful contrast.

Mango salsa is also a healthy choice, as it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. In addition, it is very versatile and can be used as a dip, condiment, or even salad dressing.

Cucumber Salad With Lime Juice, Red Onion, And Cilantro

Cucumber salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and healthy side dish that pairs well with jerk chicken.

The acidity of the lime juice balances the spice of the jerk chicken, while the freshness of the cucumber and cilantro brighten up the dish. This salad is also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal.

In addition, cucumber salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

When choosing a cucumber for this salad, look for one that is firm and brightly colored. Avoid cucumbers that are soft or have wrinkled skin. For best results, chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and dress them just before serving.

Fried Plantains

Plantains are versatile fruit that can be cooked in a variety of ways. When fried, they make an excellent side dish for jerk chicken. Plantains are rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They are also a good source of energy.

Fried plantains are relatively easy to prepare. First, the plantains are peeled and sliced into thin strips. Next, they are dipped in a batter of flour, salt, and water. Then, they are fried in oil until golden brown.

Fried plantains can be served with a dipping sauce or simply enjoyed on their own. When paired with jerk chicken, they offer a delicious contrast in flavors. The sweetness of the plantains complements the spice of the chicken perfectly.

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a perfect side dish for jerk chicken. It is light and fluffy, yet has a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the spice of the chicken. Coconut rice is also high in fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.

There are many recipes for coconut rice, but my favorite is to simply cook the rice in chicken broth with a bit of unsweetened coconut milk. I also add a handful of shredded coconut to the pot for extra flavor.

This dish can be served hot or cold, making it versatile and easy to prepare. When paired with jerk chicken, coconut rice makes a delicious and healthy meal.

Plantain Chips

Plantain chips are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be enjoyed with jerk chicken. Plantains are a type of fruit that is similar to bananas. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, which makes them a healthy addition to any meal.

Plantain chips are typically made by frying thinly sliced plantains. This gives them a crispy texture that is perfect for dipping into sauces or enjoying on their own.

When pairing plantain chips with jerk chicken, consider using a dipping sauce such as mango chutney or hot sauce. The sweetness of the plantain chips will complement the spice of the chicken perfectly.

You can also use plantain chips as a topping for your jerk chicken. Simply place them on top of the chicken before serving. This will give your meal an extra crunch and a burst of flavor.

Rice And Peas

No matter how it is prepared, jerk chicken is usually served with rice and peas as a side dish.

Rice and peas is a simple dish that is made by cooking rice in broth or coconut milk and then adding pigeon peas (or black-eyed peas). This combination of rice and beans is common throughout the Caribbean and provides a hearty, nutritious side to jerk chicken.

The rice absorbs the flavors of the jerk seasoning, while the beans add a creamy texture and earthy flavor, making it a perfect pairing.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Jerk Chicken

Can I make jerk chicken ahead of time?

Jerk chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Is jerk chicken spicy?

Jerk chicken can be as spicy or mild as you like. The level of spice is typically determined by the amount of jerk seasoning used.

How do I make jerk chicken less spicy?

If you find that your jerk chicken is too spicy, you can try adding more of the other ingredients in the recipe to help balance out the heat. This includes adding more pineapple, lime juice, or even honey.

You can also remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the recipe. This will help to reduce the spice level of the dish.

What are some other side dishes that go well with jerk chicken?

In addition to the recipes listed above, other side dishes that go well with jerk chicken include corn on the cob, green beans, roasted potatoes, and salads.

Jerk chicken can also be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.

Conclusion

As you can see, many different side dishes go well with jerk chicken. Whether you are looking for something healthy or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, there is a recipe out there for you.

When pairing side dishes with jerk chicken, consider the level of spice in the dish and what flavors you would like to compliment.

With so many options available, you are sure to find the perfect side dish for your next meal!