Make this flavorful Jerk Chicken Bowl featuring tender, spicy grilled chicken topped with a bright, sweet pineapple salsa. A perfect Caribbean-inspired dinner.
Author:sophia collins
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:Caribbean
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
2 scotch bonnet peppers, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 large ripe pineapple, diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
4 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa (for bowls)
2 cups mixed greens or shredded cabbage
Instructions
Combine soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, pepper, salt, nutmeg, cayenne, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. This is your homemade jerk marinade.
Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the pineapple salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño. Mix gently. Set aside.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. For best results, look for nice char marks.
Let the grilled jerk chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Assemble your bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among four bowls. Top with mixed greens or cabbage. Arrange the sliced jerk chicken over the base.
Spoon a generous amount of the fresh pineapple salsa over the chicken. Serve immediately.
Notes
If you prefer baking, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the allspice berries before grinding them for the marinade.
This recipe makes excellent leftovers for a quick weeknight meal.