Jerk Chicken Bowl with Zesty Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Experience a tropical escape with this Jerk Chicken Bowl featuring juicy, marinated chicken and a vibrant pineapple salsa. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s both comforting and refreshing, perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Layla
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Jerk seasoning/marinade (fresh Scotch bonnet peppers, scallions, fresh ginger, garlic, allspice berries or ground allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, apple cider vinegar)
- Fresh pineapple, diced
- Red onion, finely diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeño or Scotch bonnet, finely minced
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Optional: red bell pepper, finely diced
- Optional: avocado, diced
- Rice (jasmine rice, basmati rice, or coconut rice)
- Canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- Avocado, sliced or diced
- Extra fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Prepare the jerk marinade by processing all marinade ingredients in a food processor until it forms a thick paste.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and combine them with the jerk marinade in a large bowl or resealable bag, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining diced fresh pineapple, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño in a medium bowl.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice and gently toss everything together, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your cooking equipment: grill to medium-high heat, oven to 400°F (200°C), or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the chicken: grill for 6-8 minutes per side, bake for 20-30 minutes, or air fry for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before dicing or slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, or make coconut rice by using half water and half canned coconut milk.
- Rinse and drain the canned black beans, warming them gently if desired.
- Assemble the bowls by starting with a portion of rice, then adding diced jerk chicken, black beans, and a scoop of pineapple salsa.
- Finish with slices or chunks of avocado and garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor. Adjust the heat level of the dish by using less Scotch bonnet or opting for jalapeño. Consider making coconut rice for added sweetness.