Authentic 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 Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (washed and drained)
  • 1 cup canned red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 piece scallion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1 piece lime (juiced)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    Rub the jerk seasoning all over the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.

    For even better results, marinate the chicken overnight.
  2. Prepare Rice and Peas

    In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and scallion, sauté until fragrant. Stir in rice, kidney beans, thyme, and water.

    Use coconut milk instead of water for a richer taste.
  3. Cook Rice

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

    Let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking for fluffiness.
  4. Cook the Chicken

    Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 7-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.

    Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve

    Plate the rice and peas and top with the grilled jerk chicken. Drizzle with lime juice before serving.

    Garnish with extra scallions or lime wedges for presentation.

💡 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 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 breasts may dry out faster; adjust cooking time accordingly.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories550kcal
Total Fat19gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates60gg
Dietary Fiber5gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein38gg

* 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