Grilled Jerk-Spiced Chicken with Mango Salsa
Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant jerk spice blend, served with a fresh and tangy mango salsa for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes blends jerk seasoning, olive oil, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large, peeled and diced ripe mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Coat 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) evenly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, mix 1 large diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl. Stir until combined and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Serve the grilled jerk chicken topped with the fresh mango salsa, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jerk-Spiced Chicken with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (75 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 Chicken with Mango 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 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 Grilled Jerk-Spiced 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.
What goes well with Grilled Jerk-Spiced Chicken 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.