Easy Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas Recipe

Introduction

This easy jerk chicken recipe brings vibrant Caribbean flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Juicy, spiced chicken pairs perfectly with creamy rice and peas, making a delicious and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1kg chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1 bottle jerk barbecue sauce (Levi Roots or Walkerswood from Waitrose)
• 1 bunch spring onions, sliced
• 200g basmati rice
• 2 x 410g cans kidney beans
• 400g can coconut milk
• 1 bunch spring onions, chopped
• 1 thyme sprig
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 tsp allspice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220C (200C fan) or gas mark 7. Heat the sunflower oil in a roasting tin over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks carefully to the hot oil. Brown them lightly on all sides for about 6-8 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour the jerk barbecue sauce over the chicken, then scatter the sliced spring onions on top. Toss to coat each piece evenly.
4. Step 4: Roast the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes, turning occasionally so it becomes nice and sticky.
5. Step 5: While the chicken cooks, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
6. Step 6: In a pan, bring to a boil the liquid from the kidney beans along with the coconut milk, chopped spring onions, thyme sprig, chopped garlic, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add the kidney beans to the pan and simmer for another 5 minutes until the rice is tender.
8. Step 8: Drain the rice and peas well, then serve immediately alongside the sticky jerk chicken.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the jerk sauce before coating the chicken.
• If you prefer white rice, simply cook the basmati rice separately and serve with the kidney beans and coconut milk sauce on top.
• Swap out kidney beans for black beans if you want a different texture and flavor.
• Marinate the chicken in jerk sauce overnight for a deeper, more intense flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and rice & peas in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality and food safety.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs and drumsticks?

Yes, but chicken breast tends to dry out more easily. If using breast, watch cooking time carefully and consider marinating longer to keep it juicy.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely. You can replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives and serve with the rice and peas as is.