Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
This vibrant Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is a perfect blend of spicy and sweet flavors. The juicy chicken marinated in authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning pairs wonderfully with a fresh, zesty pineapple salsa, creating a deliciously balanced and colorful meal ideal for any occasion, whether grilled for a backyard party or served as a flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with Jamaican jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the Pineapple Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to blend all the fresh ingredients and set aside for the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and the juices run clear. Make sure to achieve a nice char on the outside for that signature jerk taste.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to plates and generously top with the freshly made pineapple salsa. Pair this dish with sides like steamed rice, beans, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, retain the jalapeño seeds or add more chili peppers to the salsa.
- Chicken thighs tend to be juicier with jerk seasoning compared to breasts.
- The salsa can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to enhance the flavor.
- This recipe is suitable for gluten-free and low-fat diets if prepared with lean chicken and controlled oil usage.
- Grilling adds unique smoky flavor but pan-searing is a great alternative for indoor cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pineapple salsa (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Pineapple Salsa, Jerk Seasoning, Grilled Chicken, Tropical Salsa, Spicy Chicken Recipe