Grilled Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-24 · Updated 2026-04-24

Spicy grilled chicken marinated in vibrant jerk seasoning paired with a fresh pineapple salsa bursting with tropical flavors. This Caribbean recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, lime juice 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 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.

Ingredients

• 6 pieces, boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 small, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat) scotch bonnet pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken thighs from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has nice char marks.
3. Step 3: While the chicken grills, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Serve the grilled jerk chicken topped with generous spoonfuls of pineapple salsa for a refreshing contrast to the spicy meat.