Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Tacos are a Caribbean twist on taco night with jerk marinated chicken thighs shredded and stuffed inside warm tortillas with avocado crema and fresh toppings. Spicy, smoky and completely irresistible!

This recipe starts with my Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken one of the most popular recipes on this blog. For the dry spice version use my Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, or go with my Jamaican Jerk Marinade for the full wet blend.

Easy Jerk Chicken Tacos

If you’re new here, I love jerk chicken and tacos are just another way to enjoy this beloved Caribbean dish. Turning a staple into these tacos were one of those fusion moments that just made perfect sense. The marinade does all the heavy lifting and the avocado crema cools everything down beautifully.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Convenient: Busy weeknight? It takes just 20 minutes of prep and another 20 minutes to cook. But you can save even more time by using leftover jerk chicken instead.
• Flavourful: Jerk chicken is amazing and tacos are too. But combining Mexican and Jamaican cuisine into one dish is a mouthwatering explosion of flavour!
• Customizable: Use a different cut of chicken, make them more or less spicy… you can even change the sauce for jerk chicken tacos. There are so many ways to make this recipe suitable for your taste buds!

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

• Blender or food processor: Use this to blend the ingredients for Avocado Crema.
• Skillet or grill pan: To cook the jerk chicken.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping and preparing the various toppings.
• Mixing Bowls: You need these to marinate the chicken, mix the avocado crema, and contain the various taco toppings.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Jerk Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are naturally flavourful and moist so they don’t dry out easily like chicken breasts.
• Wet Jerk Marinade: For authentic taste and flavour, my homemade jerk marinade includes a warm spice blend of allspice, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Of course, we bring the heat with scotch bonnet peppers.
• Salt and Pepper: Add to taste.
• Olive Oil: To cook the jerk chicken thighs in.

Avocado Crema

• Ripe Avocado: Peeled and pitted.
• Sour Cream: This is the creamy base of the sauce. It adds a tangy quality that complements the more savoury elements.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a deep savoury flavour.
• Fresh Cilantro: Finely chopped.
• Cumin: This is an optional ingredient that adds an earthy taste.
• Fresh Lime Juice: For a bright citrus taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Add to taste.

Jerk Chicken Tacos

• Purple Cabbage: Shredded.
• Tomatoes: Diced.
• Cilantro: Chopped (optional).
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled.
• Flour Tortillas or Corn Tortillas

How to Make Jerk Chicken Tacos

Avocado Crema

Cut the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor. Then add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic, cilantro, cumin, lime juice, salt and pepper.

Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste the avocado crema and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Jerk Chicken

Add chicken to a large bowl with 1 tbsp of olive oil and season with the jerk marinade, salt and pepper. Mix until the chicken is well coated, then set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick pan or skillet. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes then flip and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, (the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear when poked). Remove, and let rest for 5 minutes then shred into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Jerk Chicken Tacos

Warm the tortillas by placing them in the oven or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. Spread a dollop of avocado crema on the tortilla, then add the shredded jerk chicken in the center. Top with cabbage, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese.

Add another drizzle of avocado crema over the toppings, if desired. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, serve immediately and enjoy!

What is Jerk Chicken?

“Jerk” refers to a method of cooking meat. Traditionally, jerk involves marinating the meat in a unique blend of spices and then cooking it over an open flame or on a grill.

Jerk chicken refers to that spice blend (a mixture of ingredients that typically include thyme, ginger, allspice and scotch bonnet peppers). You can flavour the chicken with jerk seasoning (a dry spice blend) or jerk marinade (a wet sauce). The result is tender, flavourful chicken with a spicy kick.

Why is Jerk Chicken so Popular in Jamaica?

Jerk chicken is embedded in the history of Jamaica. Jamaica’s indigenous Taino people created the jerk cooking method, which was adapted by enslaved Africans on the island.

Traditionally, jerk chicken was cooked in pits filled with charcoal, pimento wood, and other aromatic woods. This method imparts a smoky flavor to the meat, making it distinct and delicious. While this method is less common today, the dish has remained a staple in Jamaican cuisine and has grown in popularity across the world.

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

• Jerk Chicken Tacos Slow Cooker: Marinate the chicken then add it to a slow cooker or crock pot and set it on low for 4-5 hours.
• Avocado Crema: You can plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for the sour cream.
• Jerk Marinade: Don’t have time to make jerk sauce from scratch? Try store-bought jerk marinade instead. If you go that route, I suggest Grace Jerk Seasoning (mild) as well as Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning (hot and spicy). They come in both mild and hot, so choose depending on your preference.

What to Serve with Jerk Chicken Tacos

• Rice: Tame the heat of the tacos with coconut rice or rice and peas.
• Corn: Pair the tacos with grilled corn or elote.
• Salad: Keep it light and nutritious with a salad like this Avocado Salad Recipe or Easy Mixed Bean Salad.
• Plantain: Lean into the Caribbean flavours with some delicious fried plantain.

Jerk Chicken Tacos Toppings

Want to try something other than the avocado cream sauce?

• Slaw: Whip up a creamy coleslaw. It tames the spiciness.
• Salsa: For a fresh topping opt for Easy Pico De Gallo (Salsa Fresca) or Summer Mango Pineapple Salsa.

Recipe Notes and Tips for Success

• Do not skip the marinade. Marinate for at least 15 minutes but the chicken can marinate for up to 8 hours if you have time. Any longer than that, and the chicken will be tough.
• Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before shredding. This helps the thighs retain their juices.
• Tacos are best enjoyed fresh. Assemble them just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients and the warmth of the tortillas.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

Save time and cook the jerk chicken 1-2 days in advance. Then all you have to do is reheat the chicken, warm up some tortillas, and assemble your jerk chicken tacos.

Storage Instructions

Store jerk chicken, avocado crema, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge and consume within 5 days.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat the jerk chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Then warm up some fresh tortillas and add your sauce and toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Jamaican Jerk Recipes You’ll Love

• Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken
• Jerk Chicken Wings
• Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Jerk Chicken Skewers
• Jamaican Jerk Pork
• Jerk Turkey Wrap
• Honey Jerk Shrimp

More Taco Recipes

• Chicken Taco Seasoning
• Easy Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Dressing
• Loaded Taco Bowl
• Breakfast Tex Mex Burritos
• W30 Mexican Cauli-Rice Burrito Bowl
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers (Keto Recipe)
• Easy Salsa Fresca

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