Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got some delicious jerk chicken ready to go but you’re scratching your head about what rice to serve with it. Don’t worry – I’ve been there too! As someone who’s experimented with countless rice varieties to find the perfect match for that spicy, flavorful Caribbean classic, I’m excited to share my findings with you.
Jerk chicken’s bold spicy flavors need the right rice companion to create a balanced satisfying meal. The right rice can complement those intense flavors while providing a soothing contrast to the heat. Let’s dive into the best rice options that’ll take your jerk chicken dinner to the next level!
Why Rice and Jerk Chicken Make a Perfect Pair
Before jumping into specific rice types, let’s talk about why rice works so well with jerk chicken in the first place:
- Balance: Rice helps balance the intense spiciness of jerk chicken
- Absorption: It soaks up those flavorful jerk chicken juices
- Tradition: Rice is a staple in Caribbean cuisine
- Completeness: Together they create a filling, well-rounded meal
Now, let’s explore the best rice varieties to serve with your jerk chicken!
1. Coconut Rice – The Caribbean Classic
If you’re looking for an authentic pairing coconut rice is the way to go. This creamy slightly sweet rice perfectly complements the spicy kick of jerk chicken.
How to make it:
- Rinse your rice to remove excess starch
- Combine coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt in a pot
- Bring to a boil, then add rice
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes
The result is a fragrant, fluffy rice with tropical flavor that’ll transport you straight to Jamaica. The creamy coconut taste helps cool down the spiciness while enhancing the overall Caribbean vibe of your meal.
2. Yellow Rice – Vibrant and Flavorful
Yellow rice brings beautiful color and aromatic flavor to your plate making it a fantastic choice for jerk chicken. The turmeric or saffron that gives it that gorgeous yellow hue also adds subtle earthy notes.
I recently made yellow rice with jerk chicken for my family dinner, and it was a huge hit! The recipe was super simple – just a one-pot wonder that let me focus on perfecting my jerk chicken. The bright yellow color looked absolutely stunning next to the dark, caramelized chicken.
3. Rice and Beans (Rice and Peas) – The Traditional Choice
In Jamaica, rice and peas (usually made with kidney beans) is the traditional accompaniment to jerk chicken. This hearty side dish adds protein and fiber while complementing the spicy meat.
What makes it special:
- The beans add texture and substance
- Coconut milk creates richness
- Thyme and other herbs enhance the flavor profile
- The subtle sweetness balances jerk chicken’s heat
This combo is so popular for a reason – it just works! The beans and rice create a filling base that allows the jerk chicken to shine as the star.
4. Basmati Rice – Fragrant and Fluffy
Basmati rice’s distinctive aroma and fluffy texture make it an excellent choice for jerk chicken. Its long grains stay separate when cooked properly, creating the perfect base for soaking up jerk chicken’s delicious juices.
The fragrant quality of basmati brings its own character to the meal without overpowering the star of the show – your perfectly seasoned jerk chicken. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
5. Jasmine Rice – Delicate and Aromatic
Jasmine rice offers a subtle floral fragrance and slightly sticky texture that works beautifully with jerk chicken. This long-grain rice has a delicate flavor that doesn’t compete with the bold spices in your main dish.
What I love about jasmine rice is how it soaks up all those delicious jerk chicken juices. Its slightly sticky quality means you can easily scoop it up with your fork along with pieces of that flavorful chicken.
6. Brown Rice – The Healthier Option
If you’re looking for a more nutritious alternative, brown rice pairs surprisingly well with jerk chicken. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture add another dimension to your meal.
Brown rice takes longer to cook than white varieties (about 45 minutes), but the nutritional benefits are worth it:
- Higher fiber content
- More vitamins and minerals
- Lower glycemic index
The hearty nature of brown rice stands up well to the bold flavors of jerk chicken, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal.
7. Wild Rice – Unique and Nutty
For something different, try wild rice with your jerk chicken. Technically not a rice but an aquatic grass seed, wild rice has a distinctive nutty flavor and chewy texture.
To prepare wild rice:
- Rinse thoroughly to remove debris
- Combine with water or broth in a saucepan
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender
The unique flavor profile of wild rice creates an interesting contrast with jerk chicken, and its firm texture adds a pleasant bite to each mouthful.
8. Black Rice (Forbidden Rice) – Dramatic and Nutritious
Black rice makes a stunning visual contrast with jerk chicken while offering exceptional nutritional benefits. Also known as forbidden rice, it has a deep purple color when cooked and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Not only does it look impressive on the plate, but it’s also packed with antioxidants and nutrients. The rich flavor stands up well to the bold spices in jerk chicken, creating a memorable meal.
9. Saffron Rice – Elegant and Aromatic
Saffron rice brings a touch of elegance to your jerk chicken dinner. The vibrant yellow color and delicate floral aroma create a sophisticated side dish.
Quick recipe:
- Sauté onion in butter or oil
- Add rice and stir to coat
- Add saffron-infused warm water or broth
- Simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed
The subtle flavor of saffron rice provides a nice backdrop for the bold, spicy notes of jerk chicken without competing for attention.
10. Plantain Rice – A Creative Twist
For something truly special, try plantain rice with your jerk chicken. This creative dish incorporates mashed plantains into the rice for a sweet, starchy side that complements jerk chicken beautifully.
To make plantain rice:
- Cook rice as usual
- Separately, fry ripe plantains until soft and golden
- Mash plantains and mix into cooked rice
- Season with salt and a touch of butter
This unique side dish brings together two Caribbean staples for an authentic and delicious meal.
Serving Tips for the Perfect Jerk Chicken and Rice Meal
No matter which rice you choose, here are some tips to make your jerk chicken and rice meal even better:
- Presentation matters: Serve the rice as a bed with the jerk chicken on top or side by side for visual appeal
- Add color: Include a fresh veggie side like coleslaw or a bright salad
- Sauce it up: Serve with extra jerk sauce on the side for dipping
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions
- Complement with fruit: Add grilled pineapple or mango salsa for sweetness
Other Great Sides to Complete Your Jerk Chicken Meal
While rice is a fantastic base, consider adding these other sides to round out your jerk chicken dinner:
- Fried plantains – Sweet and caramelized
- Mango salsa – Fresh and cooling
- Coleslaw – Crisp and refreshing
- Grilled pineapple – Sweet and tangy
- Collard greens – Earthy and nutritious
- Sweet potato fries – Sweet and crispy
My Final Thoughts
After trying all these different rice options with jerk chicken, I can honestly say that you can’t really go wrong! My personal favorite is coconut rice for its authentic Caribbean flavor, but yellow rice comes in as a close second for its beautiful color and one-pot simplicity.
The beauty of jerk chicken is its versatility – it pairs well with so many different rice varieties, so don’t be afraid to experiment based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Next time you’re preparing jerk chicken, try one of these rice options and see which becomes your favorite! And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family, so invite some people over to enjoy your jerk chicken and rice feast!
What’s your go-to rice for jerk chicken? Do you have a special recipe? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
The Best Fried Rice
We’ve got a couple tips for you to make the best fried rice dish yet!
First, make sure to use long grain rice, such as our aromatic Success® Jasmine Rice. Long grain rice gives the best results as the grains remain fluffy and separate when cooked. This allows them to heat evenly and absorb flavor when you cook the fried rice. If you have long grain Success® White Rice, it can be substituted here, as well. Make this dish work for you, while still using quality ingredients.
Second, this dish works best using cooked and chilled rice, so that no excess moisture makes its way into the dish. Either prepare your rice the day before for this dish or, use leftover rice from yesterday’s meal. Still, if you just don’t have the time to wait or you’re craving this dish immediately, simply lay your cooked rice out on baking tray to cool while you gather your other ingredients. The results will still be delicious!
Craving seafood? Try our: Shrimp Recipes with Rice.
Easy One Pan Jerk Chicken and Rice
FAQ
What kind of rice goes with Jerk Chicken?
Rice – Any long-grain rice, basic white rice, jasmine, and basmati will do. Even brown rice works, though you may need to adjust the cooking time. Beans – Kidney beans add flavor and extra protein to this dish, making it extra satisfying. Broth – For extra flavor, I cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water.
What do you serve with Jerk Chicken?
Jerk chicken is commonly served with rice and peas, a classic Caribbean side dish that combines rice, beans, and spices.
Is Jerk Chicken and rice good for you?
Is Jerk Chicken healthy? Yes, this spice-rich dish is loaded with nutrients and vitamins from the natural and whole ingredients used in its marinade.
Does dirty rice go with Jerk Chicken?
It’s a simple dish with a spicy twist as we make ‘Jerk Chicken’ with a side of ‘Chorizo Dirty Rice’. This recipe is shared by Chef Rob Reinsmith.