Grilled Jerk-Spiced Caribbean Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning, paired with a fresh and tangy pineapple salsa for a vibrant Caribbean flavor. This caribbean ready in about 80 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, jerk seasoning, 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: 65 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 medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil. Coat 4 chicken breasts evenly with the mixture, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface is charred and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix 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 2 tbsp lime juice. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring gently until combined and vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled jerk chicken topped with the pineapple salsa, enjoying the balance of spicy and sweet flavors.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 80 minutes (65 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Jerk-Spiced Caribbean Chicken with Pineapple 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 Grilled Jerk-Spiced Caribbean 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 Grilled Jerk-Spiced Caribbean 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.

What goes well with Grilled Jerk-Spiced Caribbean Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean caribbean 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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