Jerk chicken is a popular Jamaican dish made by marinating chicken in a spicy blend of herbs and spices. The traditional jerk seasoning contains ingredients like allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, brown sugar, and more. It gives the chicken an amazing smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
While jerk chicken is delicious eaten on its own, the bold and dynamic flavors also pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are 15 delicious ideas for what to make with leftover jerk chicken or how to incorporate it into other recipes:
Jerk Chicken Salad
Transform your leftover jerk chicken into a fresh and filling salad. Simply chop or shred the chicken and toss it with greens, chopped vegetables like bell peppers and red onion black beans, corn, avocado and a Caribbean-inspired dressing made with lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and jerk seasoning. Top with crispy tortilla strips for crunch.
Jerk Chicken Tacos
Jerk chicken is fantastic in tacos! Warm up shredded jerk chicken and serve in soft corn or flour tortillas along with typical taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Jerk Chicken Pizza
Take your pizza to the next level by using leftover jerk chicken as a topping. Spread jerk sauce or barbecue sauce over the crust, then top with shredded mozzarella, sliced jerk chicken, red onion, pineapple, and cilantro.
Jerk Chicken Pasta
Transform leftover jerk chicken and pasta by sautéing diced chicken with garlic, diced bell peppers, scallions, and jerk seasoning. Toss the sauteed chicken and vegetables with cooked pasta, Parmesan, and a splash of cream or coconut milk to make it creamy.
Jerk Chicken Stir Fry
Make a quick and easy stir fry with leftover jerk chicken, sliced bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. Cook it all up with some soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and extra jerk seasoning for an amazing one-pan meal. Serve over rice.
Jerk Chicken Fried Rice
For a Caribbean twist on fried rice, use chopped jerk chicken. Sauté it with garlic, ginger, veggies like peas and carrots, and day-old rice. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, a little brown sugar, and extra jerk seasoning.
Jerk Chicken Quesadillas
Jerk chicken quesadillas are fast and flavorful. Fill tortillas with shredded cheese, chopped jerk chicken, salsa, and scallions Cook in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden
Jerk Chicken Enchiladas
Make flavor-packed enchiladas by filling tortillas with shredded jerk chicken, black beans, salsa, and cheese. Top with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake until melted and bubbly.
Jerk Chicken Casserole
A creamy jerk chicken casserole is comfort food at its best. Combine cooked jerk chicken, rice, sautéed peppers and onions, coconut milk, cheese, and seasonings like thyme. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden.
Jerk Chicken Soup
Elevate your soup by using leftover jerk chicken. Try it in a Caribbean-style black bean soup with veggies and spices like allspice, cumin, and cloves. Or make a creamy jerk chicken chowder with potatoes, corn, and bacon.
Jerk Chicken wraps
For an easy lunch or light dinner, wrap up jerk chicken in a tortilla or flatbread with crunchy slaw and tropical mango chutney. You can even grill or press the wraps in a panini maker for a warm sandwich.
Jerk Chicken Puffs
Shred jerk chicken and mix it with mashed potatoes, cheese, scallions, spices, and seasoning. Scoop heaping tablespoons onto a baking sheet and bake until golden for flavorful little puffs perfect for snacking or appetizers.
Jerk Chicken Pot Pie
Make a homemade pot pie by baking jerk chicken in a sauce made with veggies like corn, carrots, peas, and potatoes. Top with a flaky pie crust and bake until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Comfort food at its finest!
Jerk Chicken Chowder
For a hearty and comforting soup, make a creamy jerk chicken chowder with veggies like corn, onions, and potatoes simmered in a coconut milk broth seasoned with Caribbean spices. Top with crunchy tortilla strips.
Jerk Chicken Sandwich
Pile leftover jerk chicken on a bun with crispy lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and avocado. Add a schmear of jerk mayo and you’ve got an amazing sandwich for lunch or dinner. Grilled pineapple would also be a delicious addition.
As you can see, the opportunities are endless when it comes to making delicious recipes using jerk chicken! From salads and wraps to casseroles, pasta, and more, this bold and vibrant chicken pairs well with many flavors and ingredients. Next time you make jerk chicken, try whipping up one of these 15 recipes to transform the leftovers into something exciting and new.
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
Moms, have you ever grilled sweet potatoes? If not, youre missing out! Grill them up on a hot day and enjoy their delicious smoky sweet flavor. Plus, their sweet cooling nature is perfect for any summer main dish meal like spicy jerk chicken. Serve with mango salsa and give them a try today!
These sweet potato wedges are so delicious, you won’t believe they were cooked on a grill! They’re a great vegan soul food option thats ready in minutes.
Have you ever had callaloo soup? Its a delicious Caribbean soup made with greens and coconut milk. If youre looking for an easy, tasty soup to make, give this callaloo soup a try! You wont be disappointed!
A classic Caribbean dish thats plant-based, tasty, and versatile. It can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer.
Summertime is all about grilling out with friends and family. This year, take your grilled dishes up a notch by adding some delicious watermelon. Grilled watermelon is an impeccable dish and its sweet flavor is the perfect balance against the heat of jerk chicken. Follow this simple recipe to grill your own watermelon this summer.
A delicious, plant-based appetizer or side dish thats perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and smoky flavor, grilled watermelon is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
Have you ever tried avocado salad? Its a really delicious dish thats perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, its easy to customize to your liking and create different flavor combinations. This version is Cuban-inspired leveraging ingredients like lime juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Check out this recipe for some ideas on how to make your own avocado salad.
Delicious, plant-based appetizer or side dish. This Cuban-inspired dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Fresh avocado is the perfect pairing for jerk chicken.
Is there anything more quintessentially American than potato salad? This summertime classic side dish is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and picnics. And its so easy to make – just chop up some potatoes, eggs, and onions, and mix in a few simple ingredients. Plus, there are endless variations on this dish, so you can customize it to your taste. So why not give it a try this weekend? Your friends and family will love it and invite you back!
Classic soul food side dish thats perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Comfort food at its best – easy to make and a crowd pleaser.
Watermelon wedge salad is a delicious, summery dish thats perfect for picnics and potlucks. Its easy to make, and its always a hit with crowds. Best of all, its refreshing, so you can indulge guilt-free! Make this tasty and refreshing version.
The perfect side dish for your bbq or any summer day. This refreshing salad can be made in minutes and will have everyone asking for more. Cool off your tongue after munching on spicy jerk chicken.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is one of those summertime staples thats both easy and delicious. The key to grilling corn is getting the grill nice and hot before adding the corn, so it cooks evenly. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning once, until the corn is slightly charred. Serve with butter, salt, and pepper, or try some of these fun toppings!
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Classic BBQ side dish that everyone loves. It’s buttery, sweet and delicious! Grilled corn on the cob is light and refreshing.
Have you ever tried yuca fries before? Theyre a delicious alternative to traditional French fries. Made with yuca root, these fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. So why not give them a try next time youre in the mood for some fries?
Yuca fries are the perfect Caribbean alternative to French fries. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these yummy fries are a delicious addition to any meal, but especially Jerk chicken!.
Making your own BBQ sauce is easier than you might think. In just a few simple steps, you can create a jerk sauce that will add spice and flavor to your next cookout. This recipe is perfect for chicken or pork, but feel free to experiment with other meats as well. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some homemade BBQ with your jerk chicken. Pineapple juice and homemade or store-bought jerk marinade are simply combined with your favorite bbq sauce.
Jerk BBQ Sauce
Jerk BBQ Sauce has a bold, spicy flavor that is sure to liven up any meal. This sauce has only a few ingredients and is great for dishes like Jamaican jerk chicken.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken!
FAQ
What sides go with jerk chicken?
Jerk chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, but some popular choices include rice and peas, fried plantains, and roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or corn.
What flavors pair well with jerk?
Try a Dark and Stormy cocktail made with ginger beer and dark rum. It’s the perfect compliment to the bold flavors of the jerk seasoning. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a Smoky Margarita with a mezcal and lime juice base. It’s smoky, spicy, and everything nicey.
What is jerk chicken served with in Jamaica?
A flavorful Jamaican dish featuring spicy Jerk chicken served over a bed of Jamaican rice and peas, accompanied by a side of sweet corn on the cob and a …
What pairs well with honey jerk chicken?
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