Looking for the perfect sides to complement your spicy, flavorful jerk chicken? You’re in the right place! As someone who’s been cooking Caribbean-inspired meals for years, I’ve experimented with countless side dishes to find what truly works with this Jamaican classic.
Jerk chicken is a flavor powerhouse – with its unique blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices creating that signature smoky heat. But what you serve alongside it can take your meal from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Let’s dive into the best side dishes that will make your jerk chicken dinner shine!
Traditional Jamaican Sides for Jerk Chicken
When you’re serving jerk chicken starting with authentic Jamaican accompaniments creates the most traditional experience
1. Jamaican Rice and Peas
This is hands-down the most classic side for jerk chicken. Despite the name, it’s actually made with kidney beans (called “peas” in Jamaica) rice, coconut milk and seasonings like thyme, scallion, and garlic. The woodsy flavor gets an extra boost from whole pimento seeds (allspice berries) and a subtle heat from Scotch bonnet peppers.
It’s not just delicious – this combo of rice and beans creates a complete protein that balances your meal perfectly.
2. Festival (Jamaican Cornbread Fritters)
These slightly sweet light fritters got their fun name because eating them is supposedly as enjoyable as attending a festival! Similar to hush puppies but with a Jamaican twist they’re fluffy on the inside with a beautiful crisp exterior from frying. They provide the perfect contrast to spicy jerk chicken.
3. Jamaican Callaloo
This protein-rich leafy green dish is a staple in Jamaican cuisine. The greens are cooked until tender and flavored with peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and thyme. It’s like collard greens with a distinctly Caribbean flair – nutritious and delicious!
4. Fried Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
Sweet, caramelized fried plantain slices offer the perfect sweet counterbalance to spicy jerk chicken. When plantains are very ripe (with blackened peels), they develop a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when pan-fried. The contrast between sweet plantains and spicy chicken is absolutely divine.
5. Jamaican Coco Bread
This slightly sweet bread uses coconut oil for a delicately moist crumb and subtle coconut flavor. It’s perfect for sopping up any jerk sauce and cooling your palate between bites of spicy chicken.
6. Jamaican Hot Sauce
While not technically a side, a good hot sauce takes jerk chicken to another level. Traditional Jamaican hot sauce uses plenty of scotch bonnet peppers for serious heat. Drizzle it over your chicken for an extra kick if you can handle the heat!
Refreshing Salads & Vegetables to Balance the Heat
The intense flavors of jerk chicken pair beautifully with fresh, cooling side dishes:
7. Caribbean Salad
Create a tropical escape with a salad featuring mixed greens topped with pineapple, mandarin oranges, and dried cranberries. A honey-lime dressing pulls it all together for a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
8. Cucumber Salad with Lime and Cilantro
This light, crisp salad combines cool cucumbers, red onion, fresh herbs, and zesty lime juice. It’s incredibly refreshing against the heat of jerk chicken and takes just minutes to prepare.
9. Tomato Cucumber Salad
Fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion dressed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette create a Mediterranean-inspired side that complements jerk chicken beautifully. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the chicken.
10. Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
A tangy, crunchy slaw made with vibrant red cabbage offers both visual appeal and a refreshing crunch. The vinegar-based dressing (no mayo) provides a clean, bright flavor that stands up to the bold jerk spices.
11. Jamaican Fruit Salad
A simple fruit salad with lime and honey brings sweet tropical flavors that naturally complement the Caribbean profile of jerk chicken. The natural sweetness helps temper the heat from the scotch bonnet peppers.
Starchy Sides & Grains for a Hearty Meal
These filling sides will ensure no one leaves the table hungry:
12. Coconut Rice
Fluffy rice infused with coconut milk and sometimes coconut flakes creates a slightly sweet, rich side that both kids and adults love. The subtle sweetness helps balance the spiciness of jerk chicken.
13. Garlic Rice
Transform ordinary white rice into something special with plenty of garlic and butter. Super fluffy and packed with savory flavor, it’s the perfect canvas for soaking up jerk chicken juices.
14. Cilantro Lime Rice
Bright, zesty rice with fresh cilantro and lime juice adds a refreshing element to your jerk chicken meal. The citrus notes complement the allspice and thyme in the jerk seasoning.
15. Sweet Potatoes
Whether mashed, roasted, or made into fries, sweet potatoes offer the perfect sweet-savory balance to complement jerk chicken. Their natural sweetness helps tame the heat while adding beautiful color to your plate.
16. Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these herb-infused potatoes are simple to prepare but incredibly satisfying. The garlic notes echo some of the flavors in the jerk seasoning.
17. Trinidad Macaroni Pie
Think of this as the Caribbean version of mac and cheese – a cheesy, baked pasta dish that’s comfort food with a tropical twist. It’s richer and more flavorful than standard mac and cheese, making it perfect for special occasions.
18. Cuban Black Beans
Thick, gravy-like black beans simmered with sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic create a deeply satisfying side. They can be prepared in under 20 minutes using canned beans, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.
19. Yuca Fries
These starchy fries made from cassava root have a chewier texture than potato fries with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. They’re popular throughout the Caribbean and make a fun alternative to regular fries.
Grilled & Roasted Sides (Perfect for BBQ Days)
If you’re already firing up the grill for your jerk chicken, these sides can cook alongside it:
20. Grilled Vegetables
Jamaican jerk seasoning isn’t just for chicken! Toss bell peppers, zucchini, and other veggies with a light coating of jerk spices before grilling for a cohesive flavor profile that ties your whole meal together.
21. Grilled Pineapple or Mango
The caramelization that happens when you grill these tropical fruits enhances their natural sweetness and creates a perfect counterpoint to spicy jerk chicken. Plus, they can cook right alongside your chicken on the grill!
22. Grilled Bell Peppers
Tender, blistered bell peppers pick up wonderful smoky notes from the grill. Their natural sweetness intensifies with cooking, creating a simple but flavorful side.
23. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Sweet, tender corn is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with the bold flavors of jerk chicken. The Instant Pot method ensures perfectly cooked corn every time, and a secret ingredient (sugar in the cooking water) guarantees maximum sweetness.
24. Caribbean Corn
Take corn kernels to the next level by incorporating pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, and ginger. It’s an easy side dish that feels special and complements the tropical flavors of jerk chicken.
Quick & Easy Store-Bought Options
Sometimes you need something super simple to round out your meal:
25. Coleslaw
Store-bought coleslaw provides cooling creaminess that balances the heat of jerk chicken. The crisp texture and tangy flavor make it a natural pairing.
26. Canned Corn
Dressed up with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper, canned corn becomes an easy side dish in minutes. For extra flavor, add some diced bell peppers and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.
27. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these seasoned sweet potato cubes cook quickly in the air fryer while you’re finishing up your jerk chicken. They’re healthier than fried options but just as satisfying.
Sauces & Dips to Serve with Jerk Chicken
The right sauce can take your jerk chicken experience to new heights:
28. Mango Salsa
The sweetness of ripe mango combined with jalapeño, red onion, and lime juice creates a fresh, vibrant topping that cools the palate between bites of spicy chicken.
29. Yogurt Sauce
A simple sauce of plain yogurt, cucumber, and herbs provides a cooling element that tempers the heat of the jerk seasoning. The tangy yogurt cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly.
30. Honey Lime Dipping Sauce
The combination of sweet honey and tart lime creates a perfect balance for dipping your jerk chicken. Add a touch of soy sauce and ginger for depth of flavor.
Drinks to Serve with Your Jerk Chicken Meal
Complete your Caribbean feast with these refreshing beverages:
31. Jamaican Rum Punch
This fruity, rum-based cocktail is the perfect adult beverage to accompany jerk chicken. The sweet, tropical flavors complement the spicy food beautifully.
32. Ginger Beer
The spicy kick of ginger beer (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) pairs wonderfully with jerk chicken. The ginger notes echo some of the spices in the jerk seasoning.
33. Red Stripe Beer
This Jamaican lager is crisp and refreshing – exactly what you want with spicy food. It’s authentic and helps cool the palate between bites.
My Final Thoughts
When I’m making jerk chicken at home, I usually serve it with at least 2-3 sides to create a balanced meal. My go-to combination is Jamaican rice and peas, fried plantains, and a fresh cucumber salad. This gives me starch, sweetness, and something refreshing all on one plate.
Remember that jerk chicken is bold and spicy, so your sides should either complement those flavors or provide contrast. Don’t be afraid to mix traditional Jamaican sides with your own family favorites!
What’s your favorite side to serve with jerk chicken? I’d love to hear about your perfect pairings in the comments below!
Vegetable Side Dishes for Jerk Chicken
11. Collard Greens
Indulge in this healthy comfort food for a guilt-free soul-satisfying delight. The added meaty goodness from ham hocks and bacon certainly highlights the overall flavor of these yummy collard greens. It’s so delicious even your picky-eater kid won’t complain. Aside from jerk chicken, I also love to eat it with cornbread and cassava fufu. Yum!
12. Fried Cabbage
Our next veggie side dish recipe here is definitely one of my favorites. Not only is it super delicious, but it’s also gluten-free and keto-friendly, which makes it a sure-winner dish. Whether you’re doing a diet or not, you’ll love it even more for its bold flavors from leftover ham or bacon.
13. Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob
What could be better than corn brushed with garlic butter and Creole seasoning? Aah! I can eat it again and again without complaints, even without the garlic butter. It’s already perfect on its own. No oven? No problem! You can boil them instead, and they will turn out as amazing. Here’s how to boil corn.
14. Roast Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Let’s take our regular mashed potato up a notch with an added sensational roasted garlic flavor. Oh, believe me, you’ll never go back once you taste our lovely garlicky surprise. And while you’re at it, try adding some crispy bacon bits on top for a more savory wow factor.
15. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
If you love mashed potatoes, you’ll surely love these mashed sweet potatoes here, too. Whether you like them sweet or savory, both versions offer a yummy comforting side dish perfect for the holidays. You can also enjoy this side as a heavenly dessert served with a drizzle of condensed milk on top.
16. Coco Bread
This coco bread are seriously addicting with its lovely sweet coconut and buttery goodness ensemble. And believe it or not, only eight ingredients make this incredibly firm bread with a soft fluffy center. These yummy baked treats make a decadent breakfast, snack, or dessert, perfect on a weekly rotation.
17. Buss Up Shut Paratha Roti
What a unique name for bread, huh? And its buttery, chewy goodness will surely impress you. Although it may seem complicated to make, it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Just the perfect side to our jerk chicken and other curry dishes, like curry chicken and Jamaican curry shrimp. ❤
18. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Feel summer vibes all year long with our sweet, soft, and fluffy Hawaiian rolls. They’re made with none other than pineapple. It has the perfect sweetness and buttery goodness that can’t be beat. Aah! They are so good they will even pass as dessert. Yay!
Salads, Dips, and Sauces
6. Grilled Pineapple Black Bean Salsa
Entice your tastebuds in this vibrant black bean salsa loaded with a nourishing burst of flavor from tomatoes, beans, bell pepper, and roasted pineapple. It is undoubtedly one of the best side dishes to serve with jerk chicken because of its refreshing citrusy flavors. It also makes a great accompaniment to your tacos and tortilla chips.
7. Mango Salsa
Treat your mouth and belly to a sweet and spicy tropical food fiesta with the perfect jerk chicken side, mango salsa. Its uniquely contrasting fruity and zesty flavors offer a refreshing vibe with every bite. This combo is screaming happiness on a plate. Indeed, one of the best side dishes to bring to your next weekend potluck.
8. Caribbean Pepper Sauce
Turn up the heat and prepare for a flame-throwing party with this Caribbean pepper sauce. It’s more than just spicy because it’s also oozing with fruity sweetness from pineapple or mango. No wonder it pairs perfectly with any of these grilled chicken recipes. So yummy!
9. Caribbean Coleslaw
Our humble Caribbean salad is prepared similarly to our classic favorite chicken side dish, coleslaw. Only this one has a mayo-free dressing with an added spicy twist and a fruity surprise. It’s even more delectable with your favorite nuts and seeds. Pretty impressive, huh?
10. Caribbean Potato Salad
And, of course, this Caribbean potato salad also deserves its place on the best sides to serve with jerk chicken. You’ll love this recipe because it’s straightforward, but it’s also easy to customize to your palate. Spike up the flavor with a sprinkle of paprika and Cajun spice, and you’re good to go.
The BEST Authentic Jerk Chicken Recipe
FAQ
What is traditionally served with jerk chicken?
Jerk chicken dinner sides commonly include rice dishes, vegetables, and potatoes. You can serve it as jerk chicken tacos, skewers, wraps, or stand alone as an authentic Jamaican jerk chicken breast or thigh.
What side dishes go well with jerk chicken?
Yes, the best side dishes for roast chicken can also be served with jerk chicken. Classic options like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad complement both types of chicken dishes perfectly. These side dishes provide a well-balanced meal and enhance the flavors of the chicken. Which Jamaican food goes well with jerk chicken?
Can you serve jerk chicken with roast chicken?
Yes, the best side dishes for roast chicken can also be served with jerk chicken. Classic options like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad complement both types of chicken dishes perfectly. These side dishes provide a well-balanced meal and enhance the flavors of the chicken.
What to serve with spicy jerk chicken?
This delicious Jamaican steamed cabbage is the perfect side dish to pair with your spicy jerk chicken. The crunchy texture and flavorful taste make this dish a must-have for any meal. If youre looking for a new and easy side dish to add to your rotation, look no further than this coconut rice recipe.
What goes well with honey jerk chicken?
Traditionally Jerk Chicken is served with side of rice and peas. I also serve few other sides which balances the flavor of spices in Jerk Chicken. Like today I served it with rice and peas, and mango strawberry salsa. What pairs well with honey jerk chicken? 8 Sides for Jerk Chicken 01 of 08. Jamaican Rice and Peas. Abby Hocking. … 02 of 08.
Which Jamaican food goes well with jerk chicken?
Bread is a staple side dish to serve up during any meal, and Jamaica has their own version that pairs amazingly well with spicy dishes like jerk chicken. Coco bread is very easy to make, yet it is deliciously sweet and soft thanks to the coconut milk and plenty of butter used in this recipe.
What bread is served with jerk chicken?
What to Serve with Jerk Chicken. Jerk chicken is best with bread (Jamaican hard dough bread is preferable, but any heavy/dense read will work well), festival (fried sweet cornbread dough), or rice and peas.