Caribbean Citrus Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in vibrant jerk spices, grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh mango salsa bursting with tropical flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends jerk seasoning, fresh lime juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp salt. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the mango salsa by combining 1 large diced ripe mango, 1 small finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp fresh lime zest in a bowl. Mix gently and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with 1/2 cup mango salsa per chicken breast, allowing the fresh vibrant flavors to complement the spicy jerk chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Citrus Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Citrus Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Citrus Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean Citrus Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean Citrus Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa?

Caribbean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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