What to Serve with Jerk Chicken Rice and Peas? (13 Sides)

Are you wondering what to serve with jerk chicken rice and peas?

Good!

Jerk chicken rice and peas is a classic Jamaican dish that is traditionally served with a side of fried plantains.

• But what if you’re not in the mood for plantains?
• Or maybe you’re looking for something a little healthier?

Either way, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve rounded up 13 of the best sides to serve with jerk chicken rice and peas.

So, whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, or even a little bit of both, there’s definitely something on this list for you.

See also: 12 Easy Sauces that Go with Jerk Chicken

What to Serve with Jerk Chicken Rice and Peas?

The best side dishes to serve with jerk chicken rice and peas are fried plantains, Caribbean coleslaw, and mango salsa. For a heartier meal, add black beans or stewed tomatoes. For a lighter option, serve with a green salad.

Still looking for ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 13 side dishes that go well with jerk chicken rice and peas:

Roasted Veggies

I don’t always eat enough vegetables, but when I do, I want them to be packed with flavor.

This roasted veggies dish is exactly that.

The veggies are roasted to perfection and the flavor is incredible.

The dish is also relatively easy to make, which is a bonus.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

If you’re looking for ways to add more flavor to your roasted veggies dish, here are three easy ideas:

• Add some spice: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dish.
• Add some sweetness: If you want to add a touch of sweetness to the dish, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
• Add some acidity: If you want to add a bit of acidity, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashing up some potatoes can be a great way to round out your jerk chicken rice and peas dish.

I like the smooth, creamy texture that mashed potatoes add to the dish, as well as the slight sweetness that can offset the spiciness of the jerk chicken.

Mashed potatoes are also relatively easy to make, so they won’t add too much difficulty to your dish.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

If you want to add more flavor to your mashed potatoes, here are three easy ways to do so:

• Add some shredded cheese to the potatoes before you mash them.
• Mix in some sautéed onions or garlic.
• Top the mashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.

Garden Salad

How about a simple salad to go with your jerk chicken rice and peas dish?

I like this option because it is light and refreshing, and it also has a nice crunch from the veggies.

Plus, it’s pretty easy to throw together.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

If you want to add a little more flavor to your salad, here are a few easy ways to do it:

• Add some fruit: diced pineapple, mango, or oranges would be great in this salad.
• Add a flavorful dressing: a jerk chicken-inspired dressing would be perfect.
• Top it with some crispy chicken: if you have any leftover jerk chicken, throw it on top of the salad for an extra flavor boost.

Coleslaw

Known for its summery, bright flavors and creamy texture, coleslaw is the perfect cooling side dish to pair with jerk chicken rice and peas.

This dish is also relatively easy to make, which is always a bonus in my book.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Get creative with your herbs and spices. I like to add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro to my coleslaw for an extra zing.
• Swap out the mayo for a lighter yogurt or sour cream base. This will help cut down on some of the richness without sacrificing flavor.
• Add in some chopped fruit or vegetables for extra sweetness and crunch. I love adding grated carrots and diced apples to my coleslaw.

Baked Beans

Known for its simplicity, this side dish is a great way to add some extra protein and fiber to your meal without having to do much work.

Just open a can of beans, pour them into a baking dish, and bake!

The result is a delicious, creamy, and slightly sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with jerk chicken and rice and peas.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

If you want to add a little more flavor to your baked beans, here are three easy ways to do it:

• Add some chopped bacon or ham before baking.
• Stir in a tablespoon or two of BBQ sauce.
• Top with shredded cheese and/or green onions before serving.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

I love stuffing a few bell peppers with rice, black beans, corn, and salsa.

This dish is easy to make and can easily be tailored to your liking.

I also love how the bell peppers add a crunch to the dish.

As for difficulty, this dish is pretty straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add some cumin to the rice while it’s cooking for an extra depth of flavor.
• Throw in some chopped up jalapeños for a little spice.
• Top it all off with some shredded cheese and/or sour cream.

Potato Salad

You can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad.

It’s the perfect side dish because it’s light and refreshing, but still has a bit of heft to it.

Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add in some chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme.
• Mix in a bit of tang with some diced pickles or pickle juice.
• Make it zesty with a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.

Roasted Carrots

Grab a baking sheet and some carrots!

That’s all you need for this easy and delicious side dish.

I like this dish because the carrots come out tasting sweet and slightly charred.

They also have a great texture – they’re soft on the inside but have a bit of a bite to them.

As for difficulty, this dish is super easy to make.

Just coat the carrots in a bit of olive oil, season them with salt and pepper, and roast them in a 400-degree oven for about 20 minutes.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add some herbs: Try thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
• Give them a sweet and spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or drizzle with honey before roasting.
• Make them cheesy: Top with grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese before roasting.

Sweet Potato Fries

How about some crunchy sweet potato fries to go with your jerk chicken rice and peas dish?

This is an easy side dish that can be made in under 30 minutes.

I like the contrast of the sweet and savory flavors, as well as the crispy texture of the fries.

This dish is also relatively easy to make, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add a dipping sauce: Try serving the fries with a dipping sauce such as aioli, ketchup, or BBQ sauce.
• Season the fries: Before baking the fries, season them with a spice blend such as garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder.
• Add a topping: Try topping the fries with shredded cheese, green onions, or bacon bits.

Caesar Salad

Another salad, yeah I know, but I think a Caesar Salad goes great with jerk chicken rice and peas!

I like that it is a lighter dish that doesn’t weigh you down, but still has a good bit of flavor.

The crunch of the lettuce and croutons, the creaminess of the dressing, and the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese all come together to create a delicious side dish.

Plus, it’s pretty easy to make!

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

If you want to add a little more flavor to your Caesar Salad, here are three easy ways to do it:

• Add some spice with a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Make your own dressing! It’s really not that hard, and you can control the ingredients and the level of flavor.
• Add some fresh fruit! I like to add a few slices of avocado or some diced mango.

Tater Tots

Tater tots aren’t just for kids – they make a great side dish for jerk chicken rice and peas!

They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they’re easy to make.

Just pop them in the oven and bake them until they’re golden brown.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add some spice: If you like your food with a bit of a kick, try adding some spice to your tater tots. You can do this by sprinkling on some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika.
• Make them cheesy: Cheese makes everything better, so why not add some to your tater tots? You could sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese, or even some shredded cheddar cheese.
• Add some herbs: If you want to give your tater tots a fresh flavor, try adding some chopped herbs. Some good options include parsley, chives, or thyme.

Macaroni Salad

Simple, easy, and delicious, this macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for jerk chicken rice and peas.

The creamy dressing is flavorful and not too heavy, while the crispy bacon and crunchy celery add great texture.

This dish is also very easy to make, and can be easily customized to your liking.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add more spice: If you like things spicy, you can add more jerk seasoning to the dressing, or even sprinkle some on top of the salad before serving.
• Add more vegetables: This salad is already packed with celery and onions, but you could also add in some chopped bell peppers or carrots for even more crunch.
• Make it your own: Customize the dressing to your liking by adding in more or different herbs and spices. You could also swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt, or add in some crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.

Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower reminds me a bit of broccoli, but it’s a bit milder in flavor.

I like that it has a bit of a crunch to it, but it’s still soft enough to eat easily.

It’s a pretty easy dish to make, too.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add some garlic to the roasting process.
• Drizzle on some balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before serving.
• Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or green onions.

Related:

What To Serve With Chicken and Rice Soup? 17 Best Sides