Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken Thighs with Mango Salsa

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in spicy jerk seasoning and grilled to smoky perfection, served with a fresh mango salsa to balance the heat. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is charred and crisp.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1 medium diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Mix gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled jerk chicken thighs topped with the fresh mango salsa for a vibrant contrast of spicy and sweet flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken Thighs with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken Thighs with Mango Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken Thighs 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-Style Jerk Chicken Thighs 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-Style Jerk Chicken Thighs 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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