11 Mouthwatering Sauces That Will Transform Your Jerk Chicken

Are you tired of serving up the same old jerk chicken without anything to take it to the next level? I’ve been there! After years of experimenting with different flavor combinations, I’m excited to share my favorite sauces that pair perfectly with the bold, spicy flavors of jerk chicken.

Jerk chicken on its own is already a flavor explosion with its complex blend of allspice, thyme scotch bonnet peppers and other spices. But adding the right sauce can elevate this Caribbean classic to new heights! Whether you’re looking for something to cool down the heat or complement the spiciness, I’ve got you covered.

Why Serve a Sauce with Jerk Chicken?

Before diving into the specific sauces, let’s talk about why you should consider serving a sauce alongside your jerk chicken:

• To balance the heat: Jerk chicken can be quite spicy, and a cooling sauce helps balance the heat
• To add moisture: A good sauce keeps your chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out
• For presentation: A colorful sauce makes your plate more visually appealing
• To enhance flavors: The right sauce can complement and enhance the complex flavors of jerk seasoning

Now, let’s explore the best sauces to pair with your jerk chicken!

1. Cilantro Lime Sauce

This is my absolute favorite sauce to serve with jerk chicken! The bright, zesty flavors of cilantro and lime create the perfect contrast to the spicy jerk seasoning.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream (light sour cream works too)
• 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Kosher salt and cayenne pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Puree sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and honey until smooth
2. Season with salt and pepper
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use

The cooling effect of this sauce makes each bite of chicken a perfect balance of heat and refreshment. I made this last weekend for a backyard BBQ, and my guests couldn’t stop raving about it!

2. Jerk BBQ Sauce

When you want to double down on those jerk flavors while adding a bit of tanginess, this Jerk BBQ sauce is the way to go.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (or more if you like it spicier)

How to Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.

This sauce works great as both a marinade and a dipping sauce. The smokiness really complements the grilled flavor of the chicken.

3. Spicy Hot Honey Sauce

Sweet and heat is always a winning combination, and this hot honey sauce brings the perfect balance to jerk chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

How to Make It:
In a small bowl or jar, combine all ingredients until well blended. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

I love drizzling this over jerk chicken—the sweetness from the honey balances the spicy jerk seasoning so perfectly!

4. Spicy Mango Pineapple Sauce

This tropical sauce brings the flavors of the Caribbean right to your plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 mango, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 habanero chile, seeded and minced (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until you achieve your desired consistency—I like mine with a bit of texture.

The sweetness of the fruits balances the heat from both the habanero and the jerk chicken. It’s like a vacation in your mouth!

5. Creamy Chipotle Yogurt Sauce

For a smoky, creamy option that stands up to the bold flavors of jerk chicken, try this yogurt-based sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make It:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

The creaminess of the yogurt helps cool down the heat while the chipotle adds a smoky dimension that complements the jerk seasoning wonderfully.

6. Ginger Sauce

This is inspired by Benihana’s famous ginger sauce but works amazingly with jerk chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

How to Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

The zingy ginger and umami soy sauce create an Asian-Caribbean fusion that’s surprisingly delicious with jerk chicken!

7. Raising Cane’s-Style Sauce

Yes, this popular chicken finger sauce is also amazing with jerk chicken!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

The creamy, tangy profile of this sauce provides a nice contrast to the spicy jerk chicken.

8. Jamaican Jerk Cranberry Blackberry Sauce

This unique sauce brings together sweet berries with jerk spices for an unexpected but delicious combination.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

I was skeptical at first, but this sweet-tart sauce with jerk spices is absolutely phenomenal with chicken!

9. Caribbean Jerk Peach Hot Sauce

This fruity hot sauce adds both sweetness and heat to your jerk chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and chopped
• 2-3 habanero peppers (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

How to Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then blend until smooth.

The sweet peaches and fiery habaneros create a perfect match for jerk chicken’s complex flavors.

10. Creamy Jerk Dip

For a rich, creamy option that incorporates the jerk flavors right into the sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 green onion, finely chopped

How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This dip doubles down on the jerk flavors while adding a creamy element that cools the palate.

11. Chili-Garlic Sauce

This simple Asian-inspired sauce packs a punch that works surprisingly well with jerk chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup minced garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chilies
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

How to Make It:
Combine garlic, chilies, and oil in a food processor or blender. Blend into a paste, then add remaining ingredients and mix well.

The garlic and chili combination complements the complex spices in jerk chicken perfectly!

How to Choose the Right Sauce for Your Jerk Chicken

With so many options, how do you choose? Here are some tips:

• Consider your heat tolerance: If your jerk chicken is already very spicy, you might want a cooling sauce like the Cilantro Lime or Creamy Chipotle Yogurt
• Think about your side dishes: Choose a sauce that will complement not just the chicken but your entire meal
• Consider your guests: Having options ranging from mild to spicy ensures everyone can enjoy their meal
• Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to mix and match or even offer multiple sauces for dipping!

My Personal Experience

Last summer, I hosted a Caribbean-themed cookout and served grilled jerk chicken with three different sauces: the Cilantro Lime, Spicy Mango Pineapple, and the Creamy Jerk Dip. It was amazing to see how each sauce transformed the chicken into a completely different experience!

The Cilantro Lime sauce was the clear favorite among guests who found the jerk chicken too spicy on its own. Meanwhile, the heat-lovers couldn’t get enough of the Spicy Mango Pineapple sauce, which enhanced rather than tamed the spice.

Final Thoughts

Jerk chicken is already a flavorful dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sauce can take it from good to unforgettable. Whether you prefer something cooling, something that enhances the heat, or something that adds a completely new flavor dimension, there’s a sauce on this list for you.

My personal recommendation? Try the Cilantro Lime sauce first—it’s refreshing, easy to make, and complements the jerk seasoning beautifully. But don’t stop there! Part of the fun is experimenting with different combinations to find your personal favorite.

So next time you’re firing up the grill for some jerk chicken, don’t forget to whip up one (or more!) of these delicious sauces. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you!