When I first made Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Recipe, I felt like I had taken a short trip to the tropics without leaving my kitchen. The smell of smoky spices sizzling on the grill mingling with the fresh, fruity aroma of pineapple salsa made the whole experience unforgettable. I couldn’t wait for that first bite, and oh boy, it did not disappoint! The sweet and spicy combo is extraordinary.
This recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s so easy to prepare yet feels so special. Whether I’m hosting a small party or just making a midweek meal, this dish always earns rave reviews. Plus, the fresh pineapple salsa provides an irresistible balance to the smoky jerk chicken. Trust me, with this recipe, every day can feel like a mini vacation. 🍍🌶️
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this dish is bound to become one of your favorites!
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy
The combination of smoky, spicy chicken and sweet, tangy pineapple salsa creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s like a tropical party for your mouth!
Quick and Simple to Make
This dish is perfect for busy days. With just a little marination time and a quick cook on the grill or stovetop, you’ll have a delicious meal in under an hour.
Healthy Yet Indulgent
With lean chicken breasts and a salsa loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, this dish balances health and indulgence perfectly. It’s great for those trying to eat clean without sacrificing taste.
Versatile and Customizable
From the heat level of the chicken to the texture of the salsa, this recipe lets you make it just the way you like. Add a touch more lime or some extra jalapeños to make it uniquely yours.
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation
This colorful dish is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. It’s vibrant, fresh, and always impresses guests when served at the table.
Cooking Time
This is a quick and simple recipe that fits into any schedule.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this tropical delight to life!
For the Chicken Marinade
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
- Onion powder
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Honey
For the Pineapple Salsa
- Diced pineapple
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Salt
For Serving
- Steamed white or brown rice (optional)
Variations
Here’s how you can make this recipe your own!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Prefer fresh pineapple? Swap out canned for fresh chunks for a juicier salsa.
- Not a fan of spice? Skip the jalapeños or replace them with diced bell peppers for crunch.
- Replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Additional Flavors
- Add mango or kiwi to the salsa for extra tropical vibes.
- Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika in the marinade for an earthy touch.
- Serve with grilled veggies on the side for a more filling meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping ingredients.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken during cooking.
- Grill or Skillet: To perfectly cook the chicken.
How to Make Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?
Get ready to create this ultimate tropical treat with these easy steps!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken 🍗
Start with pounded chicken breasts for even cooking. Mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, and all the spices in a bowl. Toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors really sink in.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Salsa 🍍
While the chicken marinates, stir together diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if you like heat). Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and add a drizzle of honey. Mix everything and give it a quick chill in the fridge. This will enhance the flavors while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken 🔥
Heat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Take the marinated chicken and cook it for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Discard any leftover marinade.
Step 4: Assemble Your Plate 🍴
Grab a plate and add a layer of steaming rice if you’re using it. Lay the cooked chicken on top, then spoon generous amounts of pineapple salsa over it. Garnish with extra cilantro for a pop of green.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! 🌞
Dig in while the chicken is still warm, letting the sweet and spicy flavors transport you to a beachside retreat. Pair with an iced tropical drink for maximum enjoyment!
Tips for Making the Recipe
These tips guarantee success every time you make this dish!
- Cut Even Pieces of Chicken
If your chicken breasts are too thick, slice them in half or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. - Taste and Adjust Salsa
Taste your salsa before serving and adjust lime, salt, or honey as needed. This keeps the flavors perfectly balanced. - Don’t Skip Rest Time
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This locks in the juices, making every bite tender.
How to Serve Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?
Presentation matters! Serve this dish in style by arranging the chicken, rice, and salsa on a large platter. Garnish with lime wedges, extra cilantro, and a sprinkle of finely diced jalapeño for a pop of color.
Pair it with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even grilled corn for a larger meal. For drinks, tropical punches or chilled mojitos are fantastic companions!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect in each delicious serving!
- Calories: 356
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fat: 21g
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning to make this in advance? Here’s how to store it properly!
Meal Prep Options
Marinate the chicken and prepare the salsa a day ahead. Store them separately in sealed containers. This lets you cook and assemble the dish super quickly when ready.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- Reheat cooked chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to retain its juiciness.
With its bold tropical flavors and versatility, this Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is a must-try. It’s simple yet sensational, bringing the tropical island vibes right to your dinner table. Give it a go and enjoy! 🌿🍗
Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even 1/2-inch thickness (see note)
- Steamed white rice for serving optional
Chicken Marinade
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes about 2-3 tablespoons
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 teaspoons allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 onion diced
- A handful of cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño diced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, combine all the salsa ingredients in a bowl and toss well. For a smoother texture, pulse the mixture in a blender or food processor a few times. Chill until ready to serve.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Use tongs to place the marinated chicken onto the hot surface, discarding any excess marinade. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Serve the grilled chicken with the fresh pineapple salsa on top.
