Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender chicken thighs marinated in a spicy jerk sauce, grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh pineapple salsa that balances heat with sweetness. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 85 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 350 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: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs and coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is nicely charred.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir to combine and season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the fresh pineapple salsa for a bright, spicy-sweet contrast.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 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 Pineapple 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 with Pineapple 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 Pineapple 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 Pineapple 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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