Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa

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

Tender chicken marinated in smoky jerk spices, grilled until charred, and served with a vibrant mango-avocado salsa that balances sweet and tangy notes. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 40 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 420 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil to form a paste. Add chicken thighs, coating evenly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are charred.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 diced mango, 1 diced avocado, 1/4 cup minced red onion, 2 tbsp cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gently toss until just combined, avoiding mashing the avocado.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve topped with mango-avocado salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Avocado 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Avocado 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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Avocado 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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa?

Caribbean grilling 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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