7 Delicious Side Dishes To Serve With Jerk Chicken

You’re about to discover a world of flavors that perfectly complement the bold and spicy taste of jerk chicken. In “7 Delicious Side Dishes To Serve With Jerk Chicken,” you’ll find an array of mouth-watering sides that elevate your meal to new heights. From tangy mango slaw to buttery cornbread, each dish is crafted to balance and enhance the robust seasoning of your jerk chicken. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your guests with these delectable pairings! Have you ever wondered what side dishes would perfectly complement the bold, spicy flavors of jerk chicken? If you have, you’re in the right place! Jerk chicken is known for its intense, aromatic spices and flavors, and pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply want to enjoy a finger-licking good meal at home, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore seven delicious side dishes that will go exceptionally well with your jerk chicken.

1. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a classic Caribbean side dish that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of jerk chicken. The creamy, slightly sweet rice provides a soothing contrast to the spicy heat of jerk seasoning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need the following ingredients to make coconut rice:

• 2 cups of jasmine rice
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of sugar for a hint of sweetness

Recipe Instructions

1. Rinse your jasmine rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium pot, combine the coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Stir in the rinsed rice.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

2. Fried Plantains

Fried plantains offer a sweet counterpoint to the savory and spicy jerk chicken. They are easy to prepare and add a delicious touch of the Caribbean to your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make fried plantains:

• 2-3 ripe plantains
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. Peel and slice the plantains into half-inch thick diagonals.
2. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Once hot, fry the plantain slices until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the plantains from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
5. Sprinkle with salt to taste before serving.

3. Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a refreshing, fruity side dish that complements the spiciness of jerk chicken remarkably well. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for mango salsa:

• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix everything well and let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Jamaican Rice and Peas

Jamaican rice and peas is a flavorful and hearty side dish made with kidney beans (referred to as “peas” in Jamaica), rice, and coconut milk. It’s a staple in Jamaican cuisine and a fantastic companion to jerk chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need the following to make Jamaican rice and peas:

• 1 cup of dried kidney beans (or 1 can if in a hurry)
• 2 cups of long-grain white rice
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 2 cups of water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for flavor not heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and then cook in water until tender.
2. In a pot, combine the cooked beans, coconut milk, water, green onions, garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then add the rice.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
5. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

5. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables add a smoky, charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with jerk chicken. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked on the grill alongside your chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for grilled vegetables:

• A variety of your favorite veggies (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Balsamic vinegar for drizzling

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut your veggies into manageable pieces.
3. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill the vegetables until they are tender and have nice grill marks, about 3-5 minutes per side.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired before serving.

6. Coleslaw

Coleslaw offers a cool, crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the heat of jerk chicken. You can go with a classic mayo-based coleslaw or a tangy vinegar-based one depending on your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a basic mayonnaise-based coleslaw, you’ll need:

• 1 medium cabbage, shredded
• 2 large carrots, shredded
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots.
4. Toss everything together until the veggies are well-coated.
5. Let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Pineapple Avocado Salad

A pineapple avocado salad is the perfect blend of sweet and creamy, providing a refreshing balance to your spicy jerk chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for the salad:

• 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 2 limes
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced pineapple and avocado with the sliced red onion.
2. Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss everything gently to mix, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
5. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it—seven delicious side dishes that will take your jerk chicken to the next level. Each side brings its unique flavors and textures, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you go for the sweet comfort of coconut rice, the fruity tang of mango salsa, or the refreshing crunch of coleslaw, you’re sure to create a meal that will impress your family and friends.

Now it’s your turn to get cooking. Try out these side dishes, mix and match them, and discover your favorite combinations. Bon appétit!