Authentic Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas Recipe
Authentic Jamaican Chicken recipe — Jerk chicken with rice & peas. Imported from TheMealDB.
4
servings
Medium
Difficulty

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



