Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas Recipe

Authentic Jamaican Chicken recipe — Jerk chicken with rice & peas. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
  • 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown rice)
  • 1 cup canned red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
  • 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1 lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    Rub the jerk seasoning all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

    For intensified flavor, allow marination overnight.
  2. Sear the Chicken

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.

    Don't overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.
  3. Prepare Rice and Peas

    In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add rice, kidney beans, thyme, salt, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

    Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
  4. Combine and Cook

    Add the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender.

    Avoid lifting the lid during cooking for best results.
  5. Serve

    Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and add lime juice. Serve the jerk chicken over the rice and peas.

    Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Tags: Chilli,Curry

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas Recipe is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine.

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their moisture and flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories550kcal
Total Fat25gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates50gg
Dietary Fiber5gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein30gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJamaican
CategoryRice Dishes