You’re in the mood to make Jerk Chicken, but you’re unsure what to serve with Jerk Chicken. Stop the clock because we’ve got a long list of side dishes to inspire you.
Jerk Chicken is a Jamaican staple that’s packed with flavor. The chicken is marinated in a spice blend and grilled, typically on an open fire.
As a result, this dish delivers a distinct smoked flavor and some heat from the spices. The marinade ensures a sticky and succulent texture and adds sweetness to the chicken.
Sweet and spicy Jerk Chicken is at the heart of family get-togethers across the Caribbean. But it has also become a frequent addition to the American barbeque menu.
What to Serve with Jerk Chicken
This zesty chicken main is usually served with rice, beans, or hard dough bread. In fact, many people simply provide a side of dinner rolls and make Jerk Chicken sandwiches with these grilled delights.
But there are several other delicious side dishes you can serve with it. Here are ten of our sides when determining what to serve with Jerk Chicken:
1. Deep-Fried Plantains
Plantains are a starchy fruit that’s prevalent in many Caribbean dishes. They’re similar to bananas, but they’re usually eaten when ripe. And they’re most often cooked.
Deep-fried plantains are a popular side dish in Jamaica. And they make the perfect accompaniment when exploring what to serve with Jerk Chicken. The sweetness of the plantains compliments the heat of the chicken. And they deliver a delicious crunch when fried.
It’s best to cut your plantains into thin slices and fry the slices for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Use paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
2. Maque Choux
Maque Choux is a traditional Louisiana dish made with corn, peppers, and onions. It’s the perfect side dish for Jerk Chicken because their flavors pair well. The corn and peppers mirror the sweetness of the Jerk Chicken marinade. And the onions provide that moreish savory umami they’re synonymous for.
To make Maque Choux, sauté onions, peppers and corn. Then add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, simmer for ten minutes, and add your favorite seasoning to taste.
3. Coconut Rice and Beans
Coconut rice and beans deliver classic Caribbean flavors that are beloved companions to Jerk Chicken. This side dish is made with white rice, black beans, and coconut milk.
Coconut rice and beans offer a slight twist to the rice and bean dish traditionally served with Jerk Chicken. Rice and chicken go together like Sonny and Cher. And the coconut adds an interesting, somewhat sweet taste which works flawlessly with the spicy chicken.
Simply add the black beans and coconut milk to your cooked long-grain rice. Then simmer for five minutes and add some salt and pepper.
4. Yuca Fries
Bring in those South American flavors and add some yuca fries to the mix. Yuca is a root vegetable similar to potatoes in taste and texture. And you can cook them in pretty much the same way as potatoes.
Yuca fries are ideal when figuring out what to serve with Jerk Chicken. The starchy yuca works well with the sticky chicken. And the fries offer a delicious crispy texture which works well with Jerk Chicken.
Peel and slice your yuca into thin strips. Then, fry the yuca strips in a pan of oil and cook for three to five minutes per side.
5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes have “The United States” written all over them. But their vibrant color is reminiscent of Caribbean life. They’re made with sweet potatoes, milk, butter, and sugar. And they offer a delicious sweetness that’s perfect when paired with Jerk Chicken.
The sweetness balances out the chicken’s heat. And the smooth texture of the potatoes also works well with the sticky chicken.
Simply boil the sweet potatoes until they’re soft. Then, mash them and add the milk, butter, and sugar. Then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mango Salsa
A delicious, sweet, and tangy side dish, mango salsa is just what you need to counter that Jerk Chicken spiciness. It’s made with mangoes, avocado, onions, peppers, and cilantro. And it’s drizzled with a bit of lime juice as a dressing.
Mango salsa offers a delicious sweetness that complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken. The acidity of the lime juice brings balance to the sweetness. While the onions and peppers add an irresistible crunch. And the cilantro gives it a beautiful pop of green against the vibrant yellow of the mango.
7. Potato Salad
Potato salad is the quintessential American barbeque side dish. And it’s an excellent choice when deciding what to serve with Jerk Chicken. This traditional side dish’s core ingredients include potatoes and mayonnaise. But many people enjoy it with eggs, celery, onions, and dill included.
This is the perfect creamy and cooling partner for your spicy and sweet Jerk Chicken. The potatoes and eggs offer a delicious starchy base. And the mayonnaise delivers that divine creaminess. Add the celery, onions, and dill for their savory crunchiness.
8. Collard Greens
If you’re looking for a classic side dish from the American South, collard greens are the answer. Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that’s similar to kale. But this dish incorporates more than just collard greens. It also includes bacon, onions, and vinegar.
Collard greens are a fantastic choice when deciding what to serve with Jerk Chicken. They present a delicious smokiness that counteracts the heat of the chicken. This smokey flavor is accompanied by the welcome sweetness of the onions. And the collard greens themselves are slightly bitter but highly nutritious.
9. Grilled Pineapple
Whoever said grilled pineapple is not a side never had it with Jerk Chicken. In fact, this delicious, sweet, and tangy side dish is the ideal partner for Jerk Chicken. It’s made with pineapple, brown sugar, and lime juice. And it’ll have you asking for thirds.
Grilled pineapple offers a delicious sweetness that complements the sweetness of the jerk marinade. But it also adds more balance to the chicken’s spiciness. Making grilled pineapple is as easy as cutting your pineapple into rings and placing them over the fire. You just need to marinade them in the lime juice and sprinkle them with sugar before grilling.
10. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is one of the traditional American barbeque side dishes. It’s made with cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, and vinegar and sometimes includes sugar. This family favorite is a great side dish for Jerk Chicken because it’s creamy and tangy.
The cabbage and carrots offer a delicious crunch. And the mayonnaise and vinegar provide a fantastic creaminess. The sugar also delivers a beautiful touch of sweetness when added. It’s best to let your coleslaw sit for about an hour before serving it chilled.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many side dishes that go swimmingly well with Jerk Chicken. So, next time you’re confounded about what to serve with Jerk Chicken, try one of the delicious options on our list. You’ll no doubt be the hit of the new family barbeque.