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This recipe for Jerk Chicken Tacos is loaded with the flavor of jerk seasoning. Simple to make, ready in less than 30 minutes, and perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day.

These tacos are delicious to serve on their own for dinner but feel free to also pair them with a loaded salad topped with Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing and paired with a refreshing Original Margarita Recipe.

overhead view of finished tacos in white bowl on marble surface

One of my favorite things to pick up on my travels is the local seasonings.

This is a great way to bring some of those unique flavors into my kitchen and attempt to recreate dishes. It's no wonder that my favorite place to visit over and over again is the Caribbean. I absolutely love visiting anywhere in the Caribbean. The weather, the beaches, the beautiful people, and of course the food.

If you have spent any time in the Caribbean, then you already know that jerk flavors can easily be found. So of course I always make sure to grab some local jerk seasoning to bring home to use and that's just what I will be sharing with you today with these jerk chicken tacos.

Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need to Make Jerk Tacos

overhead view of ingredients needed to make jerk tacos in separate bowls

Jerk seasoning - This is traditionally a seasoning blend that includes thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet. Be sure to use dry jerk seasoning and not wet seasoning for this recipe. The dry seasoning will be used as a rub for the chicken and to season the mayonnaise to make a sauce to top the tacos. Jerk seasoning should be easy to locate in the aisle with the seasonings at the local grocery store. It may also be labeled as Jamaican or Caribbean, either will work.
Oil - Use vegetable, canola, or olive oil to saute the chicken. This really depends on your preference and what you have available. For this recipe, I prefer to use canola oil for its neutral flavor and it gives the chicken a nice outer crisp.
Chicken - Boneless, skinless chicken breast was used to make this taco recipe.
Tortillas - Corn tortillas or flour tortillas if you prefer.
Mayonnaise - This will be used to make a jerk sauce to top the tacos.
Slaw mix - Adds a bit of crunch to the tacos and some fresh flavor.
Lime wedge - Serve the tacos with a lime wedge and squeeze on top of the tacos before serving. It helps to balance the flavors and adds a nice punch of acid to the taco recipe.

See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full recipe instructions.

How to Make a Jerk Taco (Step By Step Instructions)

Begin the recipe by seasoning the raw chicken generously with jerk seasoning, rubbing it in on both sides.

seasoned raw chicken in large glass mixing bowl

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and allow it to heat thoroughly before adding the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked at least 165 degrees F. internally.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet and turn off the heat. Allow the jerk chicken time to rest before cutting it into strips. Set aside.

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close up side view of cooked seasoned chicken on white plate

While the chicken is resting, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and jerk seasoning to top the tacos.

Assemble the tacos by warming the tortillas first, followed by placing the slaw on next, followed by the chicken and topping with a drizzle of the sauce. Serve with a fresh lime wedge, freshly chopped cilantro, and your favorite salsa. Enjoy!

close up front view of jerk tacos in white bowl

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Generously rub the chicken in the dry jerk seasoning. Really get it all over the chicken!
For thicker chicken breasts, cut them in half for quicker cooking and handling.
Substitute chicken thighs in the same unit of measure if you prefer.
If using corn tortillas or flour tortillas, warm them in the microwave or char them a little on an open flame.
Serve with a side of the jerk seasoned mayo for dipping and your favorite salsa.

Storage

Allow any leftover cooked chicken time to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container or plastic storage bag before storing it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

It's best to store the chicken separately from the tortilla, toppings, and sauce.

When you're ready to enjoy the jerk tacos again, simply reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven on low heat until warmed thoroughly. Then assemble the tacos with the tortillas, slaw mix, and jerk sauce for a delicious meal.

close up view of finished tacos topped with sauce and fresh cilantro in white bowl

More Recipes You'll Love

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use this recipe for Jerk Chicken Tacos? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

overhead view three jerk chicken taco in white bowl with other bowls of ingredients around it

Jerk Chicken Tacos

LaKita Anderson

This recipe for Jerk Chicken Tacos is loaded with the flavor of jerk seasoning. Simple to make, ready in less than 30 minutes, and perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day.

5 from 10 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 ½ teaspoons jerk seasoning
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 large chicken breasts (1 pound)
2 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
1 cup slaw mix
4 corn tortillas
lime wedges

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 in the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked at least 165 degrees F. internally.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet and turn off the heat. Allow the jerk chicken time to rest before cutting into strips. Set aside.
While the chicken is resting, in a small bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning to top the tacos.
Assemble the tacos by warming the 4 corn tortillas first, followed by placing the 1 cup slaw mix on next, followed by the prepared chicken and a drizzle of the sauce. Serve with a fresh lime wedge and your favorite salsa. Enjoy!

Notes

Generously rub the chicken in the dry jerk seasoning. Really get it all over the chicken!
For thicker chicken breasts, cut them in half for quicker cooking and handling.
Substitute chicken thighs in the same unit of measure if you prefer.
If using corn tortillas or flour tortillas, warm them in the microwave or char them a little on an open flame.
Serve with a side of the jerk seasoned mayo for dipping and your favorite salsa.

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 14gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 156mgPotassium: 313mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 411IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg

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

Jerk Chicken Tacos

Ingredients You'll Need to Make Jerk Tacos