Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender Jamaican jerk chicken marinated with traditional spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a refreshing pineapple salsa. This Caribbean-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Jerk Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (about 300g total)
- 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with Jamaican jerk seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for more intense flavor, refrigerate and marinate for up to 2 hours.
- Prepare the pineapple salsa: In a separate small bowl, combine diced fresh pineapple, finely chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well to blend all flavors. Set aside to allow the salsa to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken onto the hot pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, juices run clear, and the exterior has a slight char for that authentic jerk flavor. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken and arrange on a plate. Spoon the fresh pineapple salsa over the top. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as steamed rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the depth of flavor, but a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient.
- Adjust the jerk seasoning amount to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor; canned pineapple may add extra sweetness and moisture.
- Honey in the salsa is optional and added to balance the acidity if desired.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Caribbean jerk chicken, pineapple salsa, grilled chicken, Jamaican seasoning, spicy chicken recipe, tropical chicken dish