Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa: A Tropical Twist

Photo byVal Reed

Looking for a dish that combines bold, spicy flavors with a burst of tropical sweetness? This Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is the perfect combination of savory and refreshing. It's an easy-to-make recipe that brings together the heat of jerk seasoning with the cool, tangy crunch of fresh pineapple and mango salsa. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish offers a delightful mix of Caribbean flair with vibrant, fresh ingredients.

Jerk chicken is known for its fiery spice blend, traditionally used in Caribbean cuisine to marinate and flavor meats. The combination of allspice, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic gives the chicken a bold and aromatic taste. Paired with the juicy sweetness of the pineapple salsa, it creates a perfectly balanced meal that is both exciting and satisfying.

Recipe: Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Jerk Chicken Marinade:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/2 cup mango, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)
• Salt to taste

For Serving (optional):

• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jerk Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it's fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Pineapple Salsa: While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa by combining diced pineapple, mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Mix gently to combine and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. If grilling, cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes, ensuring it reaches the same internal temperature.
5. Serve the Dish: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Top each piece with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and serve alongside rice or quinoa if desired.

Tips:

• Marinating: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for the best flavor. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavors will be.
• Grill with Care: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. You want it to stay juicy and tender with a nice char on the outside.
• Salsa Storage: The pineapple salsa can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

This Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa delivers a powerful punch of spice, cooled by the natural sweetness of the fruits. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also a great way to bring some tropical vibes to your dinner table. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the vibrant contrast of flavors—a perfect reminder of island getaways and sunshine-filled days.

Here's a delightful Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa recipe that balances the bold, spicy flavors of Caribbean jerk seasoning with the sweet, refreshing taste of pineapple salsa. Perfect for grilling or baking, this dish brings tropical vibes to your dinner table.

Ingredients for the Jerk Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in, skinless)
• Jerk seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice
• Minced garlic, fresh ginger
• Ground allspice, cinnamon, brown sugar
• Salt and pepper

Pineapple Salsa Ingredients:

• Fresh pineapple and mango (diced)
• Red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix olive oil, jerk seasoning, garlic, ginger, and other marinade ingredients. Pour over chicken and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Salsa: Combine diced pineapple, mango, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.
3. Grill or Bake the Chicken: Cook on a preheated grill for 6-8 minutes per side (or bake in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes), ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Serve: Top the chicken with the pineapple salsa and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

This meal delivers a fantastic blend of heat and tropical sweetness. Enjoy it over rice or quinoa, and let the juicy, spiced chicken pair beautifully with the vibrant salsa.

For more detailed steps and tips, you can check out additional recipe variations from sources like Le Creme De La Crumb and Easy Chicken Recipes​(Creme De La Crumb)​(Easy Chicken Recipes).