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 (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional); Lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Cultural Recipes

I often find myself craving bold flavors, and this Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet never disappoints. The combination of spices creates a harmony that is both vibrant and comforting. I love how easy it is to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful dish for gatherings. The best part is how that spicy, fragrant marinade perfectly coats the chickpeas, making them incredibly satisfying. Join me in exploring this flavorful dish that brings a touch of Jamaica to my kitchen.

Created by

Gillian Sykes

Last updated on 2026-01-14T06:45:35.478Z

When I first tried making this Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet, I was amazed at how the simple chickpeas transformed into a flavorful dish bursting with personality. The key is marinating the chickpeas in the jerk spices, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. I often let them sit for a few hours or overnight, but even a quick marinade works wonders!

Another fantastic tip I discovered is to use a hot skillet for searing the chickpeas. This creates a lovely crispiness on the outside, while the inside remains tender. Trust me, this added texture elevates the dish and makes it a favorite not just for me but for anyone who tries it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bold, aromatic spices that awaken your taste buds
Nutritious ingredients packed in a colorful and vibrant dish
Quick and easy to make for busy weeknights or meal prep

Unlock the Depth of Jerk Seasoning

Jamaican jerk seasoning is the star of this dish, providing a unique blend of spices that bring both heat and complex flavors. Typically made from allspice, thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers, this seasoning offers an aromatic punch. When marinating the chickpeas, allowing them to sit for at least 10 minutes helps the spices infuse and develop their full potential, creating a deeper flavor profile. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own jerk seasoning at home for an extra personalized touch.

It's important to note that not all jerk seasonings are created equal. Some may be milder and others quite spicy, so adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using half the typical amount and tasting as you go. Remember, the goal is to complement the chickpeas without overwhelming their natural flavor.

Cooking Technique: Achieving the Perfect Texture

The cooking technique used in this skillet is key to achieving a delightful texture. When sautéing the vegetables, aim for a medium-high heat to ensure they become tender while still retaining a bit of crunch. You’ll want the onions to turn translucent and the bell peppers to soften just enough to brighten in color, typically around 5 minutes. If your skillet is overcrowded, you risk steaming the veggies instead of sautéing them, which can dampen the flavors.

For the chickpeas, cooking them until golden and slightly crispy is essential. This adds a satisfying bite to the dish. To achieve this, stir them occasionally but let them sit for a minute or two without stirring. This allows for that golden crispiness to develop. If you find they aren’t getting crispy after 10 minutes, increase the heat slightly, but be careful not to burn them.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving this Jamaican Jerk Spiced Chickpea Skillet with lime wedges enhances the vibrant flavors beautifully. The acidity from the lime cuts through the richness of the chickpeas and spices, brightening each bite. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside quinoa for a heartier meal, making sure to soak up all the juices left in the skillet for maximum flavor.

For a customized twist, you might consider adding veggies such as corn or zucchini to the mix, or even tossing in some cooked rice to make it a one-pot meal. If you're aiming for a plant-based protein boost, add some cooked lentils or tempeh for additional texture and nutrition. Feel free to adapt the recipe and make it your own!

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to make the process seamless!

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges for serving

Ensure your ingredients are well-prepped to save time while cooking!

Instructions

Let's dive into the cooking process!

Prepare the Chickpeas

In a bowl, combine the drained chickpeas with olive oil and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Toss until well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.

Cook the Chickpeas

Add the marinated chickpeas to the skillet, along with minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are golden and slightly crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick!

Enjoy your aromatic and flavorful dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding chopped scotch bonnet pepper or a splash of hot sauce. Pair with rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This skillet is a fantastic option for meal prep. The chickpeas can be marinated in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, just add them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, where they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating the dish is simple and does not require any elaborate methods—just add a splash of water to a skillet and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to re-season slightly, as flavors can mellow during storage. This makes the dish not only delightful fresh but also convenient for those busy weeknights.

Dietary Modifications

This recipe is inherently vegetarian and can easily be made vegan with the omission of any non-vegan side options. If you or someone you’re serving is gluten-sensitive, double-check that your jerk seasoning is gluten-free, as some commercial brands may contain gluten or cross-contamination. You can find certified gluten-free versions or opt to make your own blend from scratch.

Additionally, for a lower-carb variation, consider substituting the chickpeas with cauliflower florets or even diced sweet potatoes. Just be aware that cooking times may vary; for cauliflower, aim for about 8-10 minutes sautéing, and for sweet potatoes, a little longer—around 15-20 minutes until tender. This keeps the dish accessible for those looking to reduce their carb intake while still enjoying bold flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones?

Yes! Soak dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before using them in this recipe.

→ What if I can't find Jamaican jerk seasoning?

You can make a homemade version with spices like allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and it reheats well.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to enhance nutrition and flavor.