Easy Jerk Chicken Tacos (Bold, Spicy & Ready in 30 Minutes)

Name: Jerk Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 1/2 teaspoons dry jerk seasoning; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 8 corn tortillas; 1 cup slaw mix; 1 medium lime (cut into wedges); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning

Jump to Recipe

These Jerk Chicken Tacos are bursting with bold Caribbean flavor thanks to dry jerk seasoning, juicy chicken breast, and a creamy jerk mayo drizzle. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight dinner.

Pair them with a fresh salad topped with Cilantro Lime Dressing or a Pineapple Salsa and your favorite margarita for the ultimate tropical-inspired meal.

Before You Cook, Read This!

💬 The Vibe: Smoky, spicy, tangy, and totally addictive.
🔑 What You Gotta Know: Use dry jerk seasoning (not the wet kind), and don’t skip the rest time, it keeps the chicken juicy.
🌮 Best Bite Alert: A warm tortilla, crisp slaw, spicy-sweet chicken, and jerk mayo? Yes, please!

Overhead view of finished taco in white bowl on marble surface.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Big Caribbean flavor in every bite!
Ready in under 30 minutes.
Great for entertaining or meal prep.
Made with simple pantry ingredients.
Customizable for spice level and protein.

Ingredients You'll Need

Overhead view of ingredients to make recipe in separate bowls.

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Chicken thighs work well too.
Dry Jerk Seasoning – Jamaican or Caribbean-style.
Oil – Canola, vegetable, or olive oil for searing.

For the Tacos

Tortillas – Corn or flour, warmed.
Slaw Mix – Adds crunch and freshness.
Lime Wedges – Adds brightness to balance the spice.

For the Jerk Sauce

Mayonnaise - Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Jerk Seasoning – Stir into mayo for a quick sauce.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make Jerk Chicken Tacos

Season the Chicken: Generously rub jerk seasoning on both sides of each chicken breast.

Seasoned chicken in a large glass mixing bowl.

Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let it Rest: Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing into strips.

Close up front view of finished jerk chicken on white plate on marble surface.

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and jerk seasoning.

Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas. Add slaw, sliced chicken, a drizzle of jerk mayo, and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with chopped cilantro or serve with your favorite salsa. Enjoy!

Overhead view of three tacos in white bowl by small wooden bowl of lime wedges.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Rub the seasoning in well, it’s the star of the show.
Slice thick chicken breasts in half for quicker cooking.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Char the tortillas over an open flame for added flavor.
Double the jerk mayo for dipping!

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get comforting new recipes from us every week!

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Keep tortillas, slaw, and sauce separate until ready to eat.
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet, microwave, or oven, then assemble tacos fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?

Yes! Dry jerk seasoning from your grocery store’s spice aisle works great. Look for Caribbean or Jamaican-style blends.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a lighter or tangier jerk sauce base.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas?

Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds, or char them over a gas flame or in a hot skillet.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and mix the sauce in advance. Store everything separately and assemble the tacos fresh when ready to eat.

Close up view of tacos in white bowl on marble surface.

More Recipes You'll Love

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy these Jerk Chicken Tacos? Share them below, I’d love to hear!

📖 Recipe

Jerk Chicken Tacos

LaKita Anderson

These Jerk Chicken Tacos are bursting with bold Caribbean flavor! Made with juicy chicken, dry jerk seasoning, and creamy jerk mayo, all ready in under 30 minutes.

5 from 10 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 409 kcal

Equipment

1 medium skillet
1 small bowl

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ teaspoons dry jerk seasoning
2 tablespoons canola oil
8 corn tortillas
1 cup slaw mix
1 medium lime (cut into wedges)
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon jerk seasoning

Instructions

Begin the recipe by seasoning the 2 chicken breasts (1 pound) generously with 1 ½ teaspoons jerk seasoning, rubbing it in on both sides.
In a medium skillet on medium-high heat, add the 2 tablespoons canola oil and allow it to heat thoroughly before adding the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, at least 165°F internally.
Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing into strips.
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning.
Assemble the tacos, the 8 warm corn tortillas. Add 1 cup slaw mix, prepared chicken, a drizzle of jerk mayo, and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with chopped cilantro or serve with your favorite salsa. Enjoy!

Notes

Rub the seasoning in well, it’s the star of the show.
Slice thick chicken breasts in half for quicker cooking.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Char tortillas over an open flame for added flavor.
Double the jerk mayo for dipping!

Calories: 409kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 268mgPotassium: 578mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 434IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Easy Jerk Chicken Tacos (Bold, Spicy & Ready in 30 Minutes)

Before You Cook, Read This!

Why You'll Love This Recipe