Recipes
Jamie Oliver Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas – Easy Caribbean Recipe
Feb
This Jamie Oliver–style jerk chicken with rice and peas is all about bold Caribbean flavour made approachable for a home kitchen. You get spicy, flavourful jerk chicken paired with comforting rice and peas, creating a complete, satisfying meal that works just as well for a relaxed weekend cook as it does for a confident weeknight meal. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s love of big flavours and simple techniques, this recipe keeps things achievable while still delivering that unmistakable Caribbean heat. Think juicy chicken, aromatic spices like allspice and thyme, and rice cooked gently with beans for a classic Jamaican-style pairing.
This recipe is inspired by Jamie Oliver’s cooking style and techniques. It is not an official Jamie Oliver recipe.
Why this jerk chicken recipe works
This recipe balances heat, acidity, and warmth by combining scotch bonnet, allspice, lime juice, and thyme. Marinating builds depth, while roasting caramelises the spices without drying out the chicken. Paired with creamy rice and peas, it delivers bold Caribbean flavour in a home-friendly way.
Ingredients
For the jerk chicken
- 1 kg chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece ginger
- 1–2 scotch bonnet chillies (to taste)
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper
For the rice and peas
- 300 g long-grain rice
- 1 tin kidney beans (drained)
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 1 spring onion
- Fresh thyme
Caribbean flavours and jerk seasoning
How to marinate jerk chicken
To get the most flavour, marinating is key. Roughly chop the garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet, then blend with olive oil, lime juice, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken thighs generously, massaging the marinade into every nook. For best results, cover and marinate overnight, but even 30 minutes will still deliver great flavour if you’re short on time.
How to cook jerk chicken
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F. Arrange the marinated chicken on a tray, leaving space so it roasts rather than steams.
Roast for 35–45 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is deeply caramelised and cooked through. If you prefer, you can finish it under a grill or cook it on a barbecue for extra char. This method also works if you want to bake or grill the chicken instead.
Rice and peas method
Rinse the rice under cold water, then add it to a saucepan with the coconut milk, kidney beans, thyme, and spring onion. Add water as needed so the liquid just covers the rice.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy. This classic beans and rice combination is mellow and creamy, the perfect contrast to the spicy jerk chicken.
What to serve with jerk chicken
Storage and leftovers
Tips for authentic Jamaican flavour
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to marinate jerk chicken overnight?
For the best depth of flavour, marinating your jerk chicken overnight allows the spices, lime, allspice, garlic and scotch bonnet to really penetrate the meat. However, even 1–2 hours will still give you a tasty result if you’re short on time.
What is the difference between rice and peas and plain rice?
“Rice and peas” is a classic Caribbean style of cooking rice with red kidney beans (often called peas locally), coconut milk, thyme and sometimes scotch bonnet. The coconut and beans give it much more flavour and texture compared with simple steamed rice.
Can I make jerk chicken in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes. While traditional jerk chicken is smoked or grilled to get a smoky char, you can easily bake it in the oven at around 200 °C (400 °F) until fully cooked and caramelised — about 35–45 minutes depending on size and oven.
How spicy is jerk chicken and can I reduce the heat?
Jerk chicken is known for its spice, largely from scotch bonnet peppers. You can dial down the heat by removing the seeds or using milder chillies. The dish still retains great flavour with less heat.
What should I serve with jerk chicken and rice and peas?
Jerk chicken with rice and peas is often served as a complete meal, but it also pairs nicely with fresh salads, plantains, steamed vegetables or a simple slaw to balance out the spice and add freshness.