Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa

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

Spicy and smoky jerk chicken paired with a fresh, sweet mango salsa creates a vibrant Caribbean dish full of flavor and color. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless 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 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil, coating evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, combine 1 large diced mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix gently until combined.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled jerk chicken topped with the fresh mango salsa for a bright, spicy-sweet contrast.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 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 jerk seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style 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-Style 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.

Is Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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