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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Jerk Chicken Tacos

    Published: May 10, 2023 · Modified: May 31, 2023 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    overhead view three jerk chicken taco in white bowl with other bowls of ingredients around it
    close up view of finished tacos in large white bowl

    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. Please read my disclosure policy.

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You'll Need to Make Jerk Tacos
    • How to Make a Jerk Taco (Step By Step Instructions)
    • Recipe Tips & Tricks
    • Storage
    • More Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients You'll Need to Make Jerk Tacos

    overhead view of ingredients needed to make jerk tacos in separate bowls
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Chicken - Boneless, skinless chicken breast was used to make this taco recipe.
    4. Tortillas - Corn tortillas or flour tortillas if you prefer.
    5. Mayonnaise - This will be used to make a jerk sauce to top the tacos.
    6. Slaw mix - Adds a bit of crunch to the tacos and some fresh flavor.
    7. 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.

    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

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    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    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.

    Nutrition

    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

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands used, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword jerk chicken tacos
    Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @SimplyLaKita on Instagram with #SimplyLaKita

    Original post date 04/25/2016. Updated 02/21/2022 & 05/10/2023.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sangeetha

      May 15, 2023 at 11:31 am

      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.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:08 pm

        Thank you Sangeetha!! It really is a fun and delicious Taco Tuesday recipe 🙂

        Reply
    2. Moop Brown

      May 15, 2023 at 8:10 am

      These tacos seem really tasty and flavorful. Looking forward to trying them.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:07 pm

        Thank you Moop, hope you get the chance to try them soon!

        Reply
    3. Ramona

      May 15, 2023 at 4:54 am

      5 stars
      A brilliant and delicious idea. Will definitely make it again and totally recommend it. So full with flavour! Yummmm.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:06 pm

        Thank you Ramona, that makes me happy to hear 🙂

        Reply
    4. sil

      May 15, 2023 at 1:26 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:05 pm

        Thank you Sil, jerk seasoning really does pair well with chicken 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jamie

      May 14, 2023 at 9:08 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:04 pm

        Thank you so much Jamie!!

        Reply
    6. Monica

      May 14, 2023 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:04 pm

        Thank you Monica! I agree, jerk seasoning really is the best!!

        Reply
    7. Katie Crenshaw

      May 13, 2023 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      The jerk chicken was so easy to put together and the flavor came out delicious! I will be making jerk chicken tacos all summer.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:03 pm

        Thank you Katie! This really is a great summer recipe to enjoy!!

        Reply
    8. Loreto and Nicoletta

      May 13, 2023 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      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. 😃 😋 ❤️

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:03 pm

        Thank you Loreto! Hope you get to try some jerk soon 🙂

        Reply
    9. Carrie Robinson

      May 13, 2023 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:01 pm

        Thank you Carrie, I hope you get the chance to give it a try soon!

        Reply
    10. Marisa Franca

      May 12, 2023 at 8:21 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        May 15, 2023 at 7:01 pm

        Thank you Marisa! Happy to hear you and your family enjoyed the jerk tacos 🙂

        Reply
    11. Sonya

      May 03, 2016 at 10:49 am

      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.

      Reply
      • admin

        May 08, 2016 at 1:46 pm

        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 🙂

        Reply
    12. Tamara

      April 30, 2016 at 7:02 pm

      I love your trip-inspired recipes so much! Gorgeous photos of the vacation and the food you made.

      Reply
      • admin

        May 03, 2016 at 10:33 am

        Thank you!! It has been so much fun sharing and using the local ingredients in a recipe 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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