Jerk chicken is a Caribbean-style dish that has become increasingly popular in the United States. It's full of flavor and packed with spice, making it the perfect centerpiece for a unique and delicious meal.
But what do you serve with jerk chicken to ensure your dinner is just as flavorful? We've got you covered! In this article, we'll discuss some of the best side dishes to pair with jerk chicken so you can create an unforgettable Caribbean feast.
From traditional rice and peas to sweet plantains, there are plenty of options that will make your mouth water. Whether you're looking for something simple or want to get creative, we've got all the information you need to take your jerk chicken dinner up a notch.
So let's get cooking!
Rice and peas is an iconic Caribbean dish that is often served with jerk chicken. It's made with red kidney beans, which are rich in protein and dietary fiber, as well as coconut milk for added flavor.
This simple yet flavorful combination of rice and beans is a staple of Jamaican cuisine, enjoyed by many for its delicious taste. The combination of rice and peas is believed to have originated from West Africa during the transatlantic slave trade.
Slaves were brought to the Caribbean islands, where they had to make do with what was available. By combining rice with dried kidney beans, they created a nourishing meal that could be cooked easily in large batches.
This traditional dish has been shared through generations and continues to be enjoyed today as a side or main course. The flavors of coconut milk and spices bring out the unique flavor of this classic dish, making it an ideal accompaniment to jerk chicken.
Moving on from rice and peas, another delicious side dish to pair with jerk chicken is fried plantains.
Plantains are a starchy fruit similar to bananas, except they require cooking before eating. Fried plantains are a classic Caribbean side that adds sweetness and crunch to the meal.
Fried plantains have a unique flavor that pairs well with jerk chicken. They are easy to prepare and provide an excellent contrast in texture to the chicken’s crisp skin and tender meat. When cooked correctly, the outside of the plantain should be golden-brown and crispy while still maintaining a slight give when pressed lightly. This creates an enjoyable bite.
Fried plantains can also be served as part of a complete Caribbean meal with several other dishes:
* Rice and peas
* Spicy macaroni and cheese
* Stewed vegetables
* Coconut coleslaw
Their sweet flavor helps to balance out any heat from the jerk seasoning while providing an extra layer of flavor to the meal. With this combination of sides, you can create an unforgettable Caribbean feast that will leave your guests wanting more! From here, let's explore how sweet potatoes make for another great side option for jerk chicken.
The sun shone brightly as the aroma of freshly cooked jerk chicken wafted through the air. The sweet and spicy notes tickled the senses and made everyone’s mouth water in anticipation.
A perfect accompaniment to this tantalizing treat were crisp, golden-brown sweet potato fries, sizzling from the heat of their cooking oil. When served with a generous scoop of creamy garlic mayonnaise, these fries provided an unbeatable flavor combination that had even the pickiest eater reaching for seconds.
The sweetness of the potatoes balanced perfectly with the heat of the jerk chicken, creating a taste sensation like no other. Best of all, they were easy to make and could be enjoyed hot or cold – so there was something for every preference!
As guests feasted on this delicious dish, it was clear that sweet potato fries were an ideal side to accompany jerk chicken - leaving everyone wanting more. With just one bite, these tasty treats had become a firm favorite – and surely would remain so for years to come.
As guests’ plates emptied in record time, it was time to move onto another tasty option: spicy cole slaw...
Moving on from sweet potato fries, spicy cole slaw is a great accompaniment to jerk chicken. The combination of crunchy cabbage with the spicy marinade and grilled chicken yields a flavor that is truly unforgettable.
Here are five simple steps to making this delicious side dish:
* Start by shredding a head of green cabbage into thin strips.
* In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, sugar, salt and pepper until blended.
* Add the dressing to the cabbage and stir until it’s fully incorporated.
* Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving so that all flavors can meld together.
* Add some chopped jalapeno for an extra kick.
This tangy cole slaw acts as the perfect complement to jerk chicken’s smokiness and spiciness. Plus, it doesn’t take much effort to make!
To complete your meal you might consider adding cornbread or corn fritters — both of which will add a delightful sweetness to this flavorful dish.
Jerk chicken is a popular dish that is widely enjoyed in many different cultures. According to the National Jerk Chicken Association, there were over 2 billion servings of jerk chicken dishes served in 2020 alone! With such an incredible amount of people consuming this delicious dish, it begs the question: what should be served with it?
Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs particularly well with jerk chicken. It has a sweet and savory taste that complements the spices used in making jerk chicken. Cornbread also has great texture, which helps to balance out the heat from the spicy seasoning. Additionally, it’s super easy to make at home or buy pre-made from your local grocer.
Corn fritters are another great option for serving alongside jerk chicken. These deep-fried treats have a crunchy exterior and soft interior that make them irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can dip them in a variety of sauces or add extra seasonings to give them an even more robust flavor profile. In addition to being tasty, corn fritters are also very filling – so you won’t need too many if you’re looking for something light and refreshing to go with your jerk chicken meal!
Whether you choose cornbread or corn fritters as your side dish for jerk chicken, both options will provide complementary flavors that will take your meal to the next level! So don't forget these amazing sides when creating your next meal featuring this Caribbean classic!
Jerk chicken is an incredibly popular dish that can be served in a variety of ways. With its spicy and flavorful profile, it pairs perfectly with several different sides.
Rice and peas, fried plantains, sweet potato fries, spicy coleslaw, and cornbread or corn fritters are all great accompaniments for jerk chicken. I'm sure you'll find something everyone loves!
According to research, over 1 billion pounds of jerk chicken are consumed every year around the world. That's enough to fill 5 Empire State Buildings! Now that's impressive.
So if you're looking for something delicious to serve up next time you have guests over, jerk chicken is always a great option.
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