Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet

Name: Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 2 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Traditional Ideas

I absolutely love making this Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet whenever I crave something bold and vibrant. The spicy, aromatic flavors of the jerk seasoning paired with the nutty chickpeas create a delicious dish that's both satisfying and quick to prepare. In just one skillet, I can whip up a vibrant meal that transports me to the tropics. It’s packed with plant-based protein and can easily be customized with my favorite vegetables, making it a versatile option any night of the week.

Created by

Kendra Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-14T06:29:36.685Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how vibrant and delicious the flavors were. Jerk seasoning can seem intimidating, but I've found that balancing the spices and aromatics allows the chickpeas to soak up all that flavor. I often add bell peppers and spinach for added nutrition and color, which makes this dish visually appealing too!

One key tip I have learned over time is to sauté the chickpeas a little longer after adding the jerk seasoning. This really intensifies the flavors and gives everything a nice char, making the skillet dish irresistibly tasty. It's a perfect weeknight meal that always leaves me satisfied.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Spicy and aromatic jerk seasoning that excites the palate
Quick, one-skillet meal that's perfect for busy weeknights
Packed with nutritious ingredients for a healthy boost

Understanding Jerk Seasoning

Jamaican jerk seasoning is a vibrant blend of spices known for its distinctive heat and depth of flavor. The combination of allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers gives this dish its unique identity. When choosing your jerk seasoning, consider the heat level you prefer; some store-bought options can be quite spicy, while others may add a milder kick. For a homemade version, simply mix spices to your liking, adjusting for the right balance of aromatics and spice.

The beauty of jerk seasoning lies in its versatility. Although it traditionally pairs well with meats, it works excellently with chickpeas, infusing them with a rich, smoky taste that stands out in this skillet dish. Authentic jerk seasoning often includes a marinade component. In this recipe, the cooking time allows the chickpeas to absorb the seasoning’s depth, transforming them into a satisfying, flavor-packed protein source.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The choice of vegetables in this dish not only adds color but also enhances its nutritional profile. Bell peppers contribute a sweet crunch and a vibrant visual appeal. Meanwhile, the fresh spinach introduces essential vitamins and minerals while wilting down quickly to blend seamlessly into the dish. Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even shredded carrots can add delightful textures and flavors. Consider sautéing sturdier veggies first to give them a head start on softness.

When sautéing the vegetables, aim for a golden softness in the onions and bell peppers, which usually takes about 5 minutes at medium heat. This stage is where you'll want to keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning. If you prefer extra sweetness in your dish, allow the onions to start caramelizing by cooking on a slightly lower heat for an extended period, which can bring out their natural sugars.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Reheating on the stovetop is recommended to maintain texture; simply warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5 minutes. If preferred, you can microwave it in short intervals, but be cautious of making the chickpeas mushy.

For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion out the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned before. Remember that the spinach may lose a bit of its vibrant color upon reheating, but the taste will remain delicious! Serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal anytime.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your flavorful Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet:

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lime wedges for serving

Ensure all your ingredients are prepped before starting to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious skillet:

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and diced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Add Chickpeas

Stir in the chickpeas and jerk seasoning. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Incorporate Spinach

Add in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve warm with fresh lime wedges for squeezing on top.

Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider grilling or roasting the chickpeas before adding them to the skillet. This adds a pleasant crunch and deepens the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serving this Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet is all about complementing the bold flavors. I love to pair it with a side of coconut rice, which balances the spiciness with its creamy sweetness. You can also serve it in a warm tortilla for a tasty wrap or atop a bed of mixed greens for a light salad option. Adding avocado slices on top brings a creamy texture that works perfectly with the spice levels.

For extra brightness, squeeze fresh lime juice right before serving. The acidity cuts through the richness of the chickpeas and enhances the overall flavor profile. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley can add a pop of color and fresh herby goodness, making it even more appealing.

Variations to Try

This recipe is highly adaptable! For a spicier kick, consider adding diced fresh scotch bonnet or jalapeño peppers alongside the other vegetables. If you have an aversion to chickpeas, feel free to swap them out with black beans or lentils for a different texture and flavor, while still maintaining the plant-based protein element.

To make this dish even heartier, consider adding grains such as quinoa or farro during the cooking process. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times and add enough liquid to accommodate the grains. You can also explore different herbs and spices, like adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or using fresh thyme in place of dried, to change the flavor dynamics.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just combine and heat before serving!

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include zucchini, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and variety. Just ensure to cook them until they’re tender.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more jerk seasoning or include chopped fresh chili peppers to increase the heat.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This skillet pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even a fresh side salad for a complete meal.