What Vegetables Go with Jerk Chicken? (15 Veggies)

Jerk chicken is often served with rice and beans, but there are so many other delicious ways to enjoy it.

If you are wondering what vegetables go with jerk chicken, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 15 of the best vegetables (and veggie side dishes) to serve with jerk chicken including roasted vegetables, salads, sauteed greens, and more.

See Also: 12 Easy Sauces that Go with Jerk Chicken

What Vegetables Go with Jerk Chicken?

You can serve many vegetables with jerk chicken. Some good choices include corn, sweet potatoes, plantains, yams, rice, and beans. You can also add in some greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens.

Still looking for more ideas?

Then simply keep scrolling!

Here are 15 vegetables that go great with jerk chicken:

1. Asparagus

Green asparagus tastes mild and slightly bitter.

Asparagus goes well with jerk chicken because the flavors complement each other.

You can roast, grill, or sauté asparagus to serve with jerk chicken.

Other ingredients that go well with asparagus are lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

When grilling asparagus, try wrapping it in foil with some lemon juice and garlic for extra flavor.

2. Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers have a crunchy and firm texture that pairs well with the spices in jerk chicken.

You can cook them in a number of ways to complement the dish – grilling, roasting, or even pan-frying.

Other ingredients that go well with bell peppers include onions, garlic, and tomatoes.

If you’re looking for a little extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

3. Carrots

Carrots have a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor that pairs well with the spicy jerk chicken.

You can roast the carrots in the oven with the chicken, or dice them up and add them to a stir-fry.

Other ingredients that go well with carrots include ginger, garlic, and onions.

A tip: if you’re roasting the carrots in the oven, add a little honey to the pan for a sweet and spicy glaze.

4. Green Beans

A raw green bean is fibrous and crunchy, with a slightly grassy flavor.

When cooked, it becomes more tender but still retains some of its crunch.

Green beans go well with jerk chicken because they can absorb the bold flavors of the spices.

You can cook them in the same pan as the chicken, or roast them in the oven.

Other good ingredients to pair with green beans include garlic, ginger, and onions.

If you want a little bit of sweetness, you can also add a pinch of sugar.

5. Corn on the Cob

Sweet with a soft, buttery flavor, corn on the cob is a great complement to jerk chicken.

There are many ways to serve this delicious vegetable.

You can leave the cob whole and roast it in the oven, or cut the kernels off and sauté them in a pan.

Either way, corn on the cob goes great with jerk chicken.

Other ingredients that go well with corn on the cob are tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

You can add these to your dish, or serve them on the side.

For a little extra flavor, try grilling your corn on the cob.

This will give it a nice smoky taste that pairs well with the spices in jerk chicken.

6. Celery Root

Celery root boasts a crisp, firm, parsnip-like texture that makes it a great pairing for jerk chicken.

You can shred it and serve it as a slaw, roast it as a side, or even puree it into a soup.

Other ingredients that go well with celery root include carrots, potatoes, and onions.

A tip: if you’re pureeing celery root into a soup, try adding a bit of apple to balance out the flavor.

7. Okra

Okra has a mild, almost grassy flavor that goes well with the spicy jerk chicken.

You can serve it grilled, roasted, or sauteed.

To really bring out the flavor of the okra, try pairing it with other jerk chicken staples like onions, peppers, and pineapple.

Tip: if you find okra to be a little slimy, try cooking it with acid. Lemon juice or vinegar will do the trick.

8. Plantains

Green plantains have a dense starchy texture and a flavor similar to potatoes.

They can be fried, boiled, or baked, making them a versatile side dish.

When paired with jerk chicken, I like to fry my plantains.

This brings out their sweetness and pairs well with the spicy chicken.

Other ingredients that go well with this dish include rice, beans, and a green salad.

For a little extra flavor, top your plantains with a little sour cream or cilantro.

9. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes come in different varieties and colors, making them a versatile side to any dish, including jerk chicken.

You can roast them, mashed them, or even fry them.

Other ingredients, like onions, garlic, and green onions, go well with sweet potatoes, and adding a little lime juice can brighten up the flavors.

10. Brussel sprouts

Brussels sprouts have a nice crunchy exterior with a soft interior that makes for a great contrast with jerk chicken.

You can roast them, saute them, or even fry them.

Just make sure to not overcook them, or they’ll get mushy.

Other ingredients that go well with brussels sprouts include onions, garlic, and lemon.

You can also add some spice with red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno.

For a little tip, I like to add a little bit of bacon to my brussels sprouts.

It adds a nice smoky flavor that goes well with the jerk chicken.

11. Zucchini

Zucchini have firm, dark green outer skins and white flesh with small seeds.

When cooked, they have a slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture.

Zucchini can be served grilled, roasted, sautéed, or raw.

When making jerk chicken, I like to pair it with zucchini.

Jerk chicken is a dish that is traditionally made with a spicy marinade, and the zucchini helps to balance out the heat.

You can serve the zucchini grilled, roasted, or sautéed.

I also think that zucchini goes well with other ingredients commonly used in jerk chicken dishes, such as onions, peppers, and tomatoes.

If you are looking for a little extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs to your zucchini dish.

Basil, oregano, and thyme all go well with jerk chicken and will add a nice flavor to the dish.

12. Cauliflower

Cauliflower has a sweet and nutty flavor that goes well with jerk chicken.

You can serve it roasted, mashed, or as a rice substitute.

Other ingredients that go well with cauliflower include onions, garlic, ginger, and scallions.

When cooking cauliflower, be sure to not overcook it as it can become mushy.

13. Peas

These green little balls are a great way to add some extra color and nutrition to your chicken dish.

You can either cook them right along with the chicken, or serve them on the side.

If you want to get really fancy, you can even make a pea puree to serve as a dipping sauce or to top the chicken.

Other great ingredients to serve with jerk chicken include rice, beans, and plantains.

And of course, don’t forget the hot sauce!

A tip: if you want to cut down on the heat, remove the seeds from the peppers before you add them to the dish.

14. Radishes

When eaten raw, radishes are spicy, crisp, and refreshing – making them the perfect vegetable to accompany chicken.

Slice them thin and add them to a jerk chicken wrap for a zesty crunch, or dice them up and serve them alongside chicken skewers.

For a cooling contrast to the spice of jerk chicken, try pairing it with cucumber and radish salad.

Add a little lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

15. Eggplant

Tender, mild, and sweet, eggplant is an excellent foil for jerk chicken’s fiery spices.

There are many ways to incorporate eggplant into your jerk chicken dish.

You could roast thick slices of eggplant and serve them alongside the chicken.

Or, for a more traditional Jamaican approach, cook diced eggplant into the chicken stew.

Either way, round out the meal with some rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.