Jerk Chicken Salad is perfectly creamy with a spicy, flavorful kick. Packed with red pepper, habaneros, green onions, and jerk seasoning… it makes a delicious sandwich and is equally delicious as a dip!

There are certain flavors I lived most of my life never knowing I loved. And jerk seasoning is one of them. Growing up in the midwest, I guess it makes sense. I didn’t have too many opportunities to try Jamaican cuisine… so it wasn’t until adulthood that I first discovered it.

And when I say discovered it? I mean my friend Michelle married a Jamaican man who just happens to make the BEST jerk sauce ever. So I got the real deal experience! And I knew I needed more of it in my life.

So what exactly is jerk seasoning? It’s a Caribbean seasoning blend made with a multitude of spices, from garlic powder and cayenne to nutmeg and allspice. It’s traditionally used in Jamaican cooking… and it packs a huge flavor punch!

This Jerk Chicken Salad is a delicious combination of classic jerk flavors and one of my personal favorites: chicken salad. It’s crunchy and creamy and spicy… and what I love about it most is that huge flavor punch from the seasoning! Intrigued? You should be.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Chicken – Any type of cooked, chopped chicken will work. I used baked chicken breasts, but grilled or rotisserie chicken would also be delicious.

Red pepper – I added diced red pepper for color and crunch. Substitute any color bell pepper.

Green onion – I also added sliced green onions for extra flavor. I like using green onions because they’re mild and easy to enjoy raw, but you can use any type you have on hand.

Hot pepper – Jerk recipes are known for their hot peppers. The most common type of pepper is scotch bonnet, but I substituted habanero which has a similar flavor and heat level and is easier to find.

Mayo – Mayo gives this chicken salad its creaminess and helps balance out the heat level.

Jerk seasoning – A sprinkle of jerk seasoning (store bought or homemade) adds amazing flavor.

Recipe Variations

Add additional vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, celery, or avocado
Add chopped pineapple or mango for a sweet twist
Substitute scotch bonnets, jalapeños, or any type of hot pepper
Use plain Greek yogurt in place of mayo
Adjust the seasoning amount to suit your tastes
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice

how to make jerk chicken salad

Chop the ingredients. Chop the chicken and vegetables into small pieces. Finely chop the habanero (the last thing you want is a big chunk of hot pepper!)

Mix up the mayo. In a small bowl, combine the mayo and jerk seasoning and mix well.

Combine. Combine all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and mix well.

storage tips

Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Enjoy straight from the fridge with your favorite crackers, veggies, bread, or salad!

More Chicken Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Once you try this Jerk Chicken Salad… you’ll want to try more of my favorites!