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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
Yes! Dry jerk seasoning from your grocery store's spice aisle works great. Look for Caribbean or Jamaican-style blends.
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a lighter or tangier jerk sauce base.
Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or char them over a gas flame or in a hot skillet.
You can cook the chicken and mix the sauce in advance. Store everything separately and assemble the tacos fresh when ready to eat.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Ground Beef Tacos
- Mild Taco Seasoning
- Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Cast Iron Chicken Breast
- Beef Baked Tacos
- Street Corn Pasta Salad
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
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!
Original post date 04/25/2016. Updated 02/21/2022 & 04/29/2025.
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Sangeetha says
I'm a big fan of tacos, and these Jerk Chicken Tacos sound absolutely mouthwatering! The combination of tender chicken seasoned with jerk spices is sure to bring a burst of flavor to every bite. I love that this recipe is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun Taco Tuesday feast.
LaKita says
Thank you Sangeetha!! It really is a fun and delicious Taco Tuesday recipe 🙂
Moop Brown says
These tacos seem really tasty and flavorful. Looking forward to trying them.
LaKita says
Thank you Moop, hope you get the chance to try them soon!
Ramona says
A brilliant and delicious idea. Will definitely make it again and totally recommend it. So full with flavour! Yummmm.
LaKita says
Thank you Ramona, that makes me happy to hear 🙂
sil says
Great idea for Taco Tuesday. Jerk seasoning is so flavorful, and it goes so well with the chicken. The filling and the coleslaw are a delicious pairing. My kids don't like mayo so, I added our favorite salsa instead. Yum.
LaKita says
Thank you Sil, jerk seasoning really does pair well with chicken 🙂
Jamie says
Awesome! This Tacos recipe looks so delicious! The Jerk Chicken looks so juicy! Making our next Tacos Tuesday exciting and tempting! Plus we only need less than 30 minutes to have this Tacos dish on our table! Loved it!
LaKita says
Thank you so much Jamie!!
Monica says
Jerk seasoning is the absolute best! So flavorful and perfect for chicken. I don't know why I never used this in tacos before the result is perfection - will definitely make on repeat!
LaKita says
Thank you Monica! I agree, jerk seasoning really is the best!!
Katie Crenshaw says
The jerk chicken was so easy to put together and the flavor came out delicious! I will be making jerk chicken tacos all summer.
LaKita says
Thank you Katie! This really is a great summer recipe to enjoy!!
Loreto and Nicoletta says
Nicoletta and I loved the Carrigan. Just thinking about our trip is making me hungry. That jerk spice is so so tasty. Just makes everything burst with flavor. Love the idea of a jerk taco and that slaw is a perfect pairing. I am salivating right now. Need some jerk! Lol. 😃 😋 ❤️
LaKita says
Thank you Loreto! Hope you get to try some jerk soon 🙂
Carrie Robinson says
I am just loving this Caribbean take on classic tacos! It all sounds so flavorful and delicious. 🙂 I am definitely going to make this for our next taco night.
LaKita says
Thank you Carrie, I hope you get the chance to give it a try soon!
Marisa Franca says
What a wonderful tacos idea -- make it jerk!! We made this recipe yesterday for lunch and the boys loved it. Just enough of a difference to really tease the tastebuds. We will definitely be making the tacos this way often.
LaKita says
Thank you Marisa! Happy to hear you and your family enjoyed the jerk tacos 🙂
Sonya says
I would love to try the hand raked sea salt. I'm a salt lover 🙂 I'm hooked on pink Himalayan rock salt.
The beach is beautiful. Visiting a beautiful beach like that one is on my bucket list.
admin says
It is really good and you need to use so little. I love pink Himalayan salt as well. Thank you! It was a beautiful island 🙂
Tamara says
I love your trip-inspired recipes so much! Gorgeous photos of the vacation and the food you made.
admin says
Thank you!! It has been so much fun sharing and using the local ingredients in a recipe 🙂