Two favourites collide, with moreish jerk-spiced chicken served with comforting rice and peas.

What you need to know before you start

This recipe comes together in under 1 hour. It involves 10 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking. If it’s available to you, allow the chicken to marinate in the jerk spice for 1 hour, or overnight. You'll need a flameproof casserole with a lid, a knife, a spoon and a zester for the lemon. 

Why is this the best jerk chicken with rice and peas?

Combining traditional Jamaican jerk chicken with comforting rice and peas, this hearty and warming dish is the perfect main for a family favourite weeknight meal or Sunday lunch. The star of the dish is the spiced-up chicken thigh fillets coated in a blend of cinnamon, cloves, paprika, all-spice, garlic powder and more. It’s then seared golden on the outside and cooked with onions, rice, peas, lemon zest and chicken stock for a one-pot wonder. 

What’s in jerk chicken seasoning?

While each brand will have slightly different ingredients, jerk chicken seasoning will generally consist of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, allspice, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, cloves, white pepper, salt, dried parsley and brown sugar. More traditional (and spicy!) seasonings will include scotch bonnet peppers. 

How long should you marinate jerk chicken?

If you have the time, we recommend marinating your chicken thigh pieces in the jerk spice for at least 1 hour. Toss with oil, salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, and set aside for at least 1 hour, or overnight, if you have the time. The longer you can leave it, the better and richer the flavours of the chicken become. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Skinless chicken thigh fillets: Opt for chicken things with the skin removed. The tender, juicy nature of thighs enhances the dish’s flavour by absorbing the bold jerk spices. 

Jerk spice mix: The jerk spice mix imparts a smoky, spicy and aromatic flavour that defines the dish. Feel free to make your own blend or if you can’t get a hold of it. You can also use Cajun seasoning as a substitute.

Extra virgin olive oil: Oil adds a subtle richness to the chicken and helps to create a golden exterior while keeping the meat moist inside.

Onion: Onion provides a savoury sweetness and depth of flavour, helping to balance the bold spices in the jerk mix.

Garlic: When cooked, garlic enhances the dish with a fragrant, savoury, earthy note.

Lemon: The acidity of lemon zest and juice brightens and balances the richness of the chicken.

Long-grain rice: Rice soaks up the savoury flavours of the jerk chicken to pair beautifully on the side. 

Salt-reduced chicken stock: Stock infuses the rice with a savoury, umami flavour, while helping the dish to cook. 

Frozen peas: Peas add a pop of colour and subtle sweetness. 

Flat-leaf parsley leaves: Garnish the dish with fresh, herbaceous parsley leaves to add brightness and colour.

How to make the perfect jerk chicken with rice and peas

Avoid dry, tough and stringy meat by following these simple steps. When searing, make sure your pan is very hot to brown each side of the chicken thighs without cooking them through. As the chicken is added back into the pan, it will slowly cook in the remaining ingredients and impart flavour. Finally, resting the dish is key, so set aside at least 5 minutes for the peas to warm through and the rice to finish cooking and absorb extra moisture.

How to store leftover jerk chicken with rice and peas

Store the jerk chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze for up to 1 month. If you’re meal prepping, place leftovers in individual airtight containers and use as desired.    

What to serve with jerk chicken with rice and peas?

While jerk chicken is often prepared as a single dish, our version is prepared with rice and peas in the one dish, making it a complete meal. Plate it with lemon wedges and a sprinkling of fresh parsley to lift the dish. Jerk chicken can also be served with a fresh salsa, coleslaw, creamy potato salad or corn on the cob. 

Drink pairings with jerk chicken with rice and peas

Lean into the spiced-up flavours of jerk seasoning by choosing drinks that complement the smoky, spicy and savoury aromas. These include a fruity rum punch cocktail, a refreshing pale ale or an ice-cold ginger beer. 

If you love our jerk chicken with rice and peas recipe, try this 

Explore the versatility of jerk spice with these hearty savoury recipes that are loaded with punchy jerk flavours:

• Jerk leg of lamb 
• Jamie Oliver’s glazed jerk ham
• Jerk steaks with cornslaw