Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Caribbean Jerk chicken bowls with fresh pineapple salsa is the perfect tropical weeknight meal! In just under thirty minutes, this sweet-heat meal is a real crowd pleaser for hungry tummies.

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Interested in more flavorful recipes? By all means, try BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Crab Sushi Bake or Mexican Pizza with Shredded Chicken.

LET'S GET TROPICAL!

No matter the season, there's always room for tropical inspired dishes! As a matter of fact, when devouring caribbean food, close your eyes and dream of the beautiful country and it's beautiful blue ocean. Jamaican food gives all the relaxing, island "feels" and will bring any hungry crowd together for a celebration of flavor. Packed with robust taste and for this reason, jerk chicken will never disappoint on the flavor scale.

PERFECT FOR WEEKNIGHT AND MEAL PREPPING

This recipe comes together in under thirty minutes (unless you want to marinate your chicken breast longer) coupled with ingredients you have at hand! While I strongly suggest using Grace Jerk Seasoning, it is by far my favorite jerk marinade, it is hard to come by depending on your region. In order to get this marinade, we had to relocate back to Georgia. As a result, I am in heaven having access to this amazing marinade again!

This meal is packed with flavor for this reason, equally works best eaten in a bowl to maximize flavor! In particular, the salty and chewy texture of the rice, sweet-heat from the jerk chicken and the sweet notes from the pineapple uniquely brings out the amazing flavors in this dish.

WHAT IS JERK CHICKEN?

"Jerk" is a style of cooking derived from the beautiful country of Jamaica. Typically, meats such as chicken, beef or pork are dry or wet rubbed with a hot spice mixture. With a sweet, spicy, floral and smoky flavor, this spicy marinade is not for the faint of heart and is packed with flavor.

Made with fresh herbs and flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and scotch bonnet peppers, this flavor rings true to Jamaican heritage.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN JERK CHICKEN WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA?

Again, in the event that you have access to Grace Jerk Seasoning, RUN to the store and omit my homemade seasoning version. There's nothing like authentic flavors and their marinade does not disappoint. However, in case you can't find it, this homemade dry rub gives all the tropical flavor you'll need!

HOMEMADE JERK SEASONING

• SmokeD Salt 
• Black Pepper
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• All Spice
• Brown Sugar 
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Cumin
• Smoked Paprika
• Crushed Red Pepper optional
• Cayenne Pepper
• Cinnamon

FRESH PINEAPPLE SALSA

• 2 cups Fresh Pineapple chunked
• ½ cup Red Onion
• 1 Jalapeno small diced
• ¼ cup Cilantro
• 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• Salt + Pepper

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

• 1.5-2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 tsp Cooking Oil
• 2 cups Water
• 1.5 cups Rice used short white short grain
• 1 tbsp Salt

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE FLAVOR

• First, if your chicken breasts are thick use a meat pounder and pound them thin. This cuts down on cooking time and ensures you don't over cook the chicken and dry it out.
• Use chicken thighs! To explain, chicken thighs simply hold more moisture and work perfect with this recipe.
• When preparing your jerk rub, taste before placing on your chicken and adjust sweet, heat and saltiness to your liking.
• Prepare the rice first (that takes the longest) and while it cooks, prepare your rub, chicken and pineapple salsa.
• Using canned pineapple instead of fresh works perfectly fine and will not alter the flavor. Be sure to drain before use.

HOW TO PREP JERK CHICKEN

First thing to remember, always read through the recipe to have an idea of how the cooking process will flow. With that said, start with preparing the rice first or whatever starch you decide to prepare with this dish. In this case, follow the instructions according to package instructions.

LET'S PREP THE CHICKEN!

Next, let's prepare the chicken so it has to marinate while we prep the additional ingredients.

• To begin, at chicken breasts dry and pound thin to 1-2 inches thick. (if breasts are very thick)
• Combine jerk seasonings in a small bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined. Use whisk to ensure seasonings are well blended.
• Coat chicken breasts liberally with jerk seasoning on both sides and pour orange juice over chicken breasts.
• Allow chicken breasts to marinate at least 15 minutes before grilling/cooking.

PREPARING THE PINEAPPLE SALSA

Third, prepare the pineapple salsa next. The salsa will need a short time to mesh flavors together for best results.

• Roughly chop pineapple into bite sized chunks and place in a medium sized bowl.
• Next, finely diced red onion and place in bowl with pineapple.
• Roughly chop cilantro and also add to bowl with pineapple and red onion.
• Finely dice jalapeno, again, deseed (if no heat is desired) and place in bowl with pineapple, red onion and chopped cilantro.
• Last, season with salt and pepper, stir and adjust seasonings to your taste.
• Set aside until assembly.

HOW TO GRILL OR PAN SEAR THE JERK CHICKEN

For the most part, you are practically done with with this tasty recipe. As stated, this recipe can be done from start to finish in under thirty minutes. To sum up, here's how to prepare the jerk chicken.

• In a grill pan on medium/high heat, add cooking oil and place chicken breasts on grill pan once smoke starts to appear while pan is heating.
• Next, sear chicken breasts on one side for 4-5 minutes.
• Flip and finish in the oven on 375 for 5-7 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked through to the middle.
• Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Last, slice chicken breasts against the grain into long pieces.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE JERK CHICKEN BOWLS WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA

To sum up, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prepping if that's your thing. Here's how I suggest to serve the jerk chicken bowls with pineapple salsa.

JERK CHICKEN WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA ASSEMBLY

• In a bowl, place ¼ cup to ½ cup of rice.
• Add 5-6 slices of chicken breasts on top of the rice
• Top with ¼ cup to ½ cup of pineapple salsa.
• Garnish with any leftover herbs and enjoy!

HAVE LEFTOVERS? HERE'S HOW TO PROPERLY STORE JERK CHICKEN WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA!

Last, this recipe is simple to store. To clarify, for best results:

• First, store the pineapple salsa separately in an airtight container. Next, as a result, the pineapples will release moisture over time, simply drain the salsa before serving it over the jerk chicken.
• Last, wrap jerk chicken in clear wrap and/or store in an airtight container.