Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Pineapple Salsa
Tender grilled chicken breasts coated in a spicy jerk seasoning, paired with a fresh and tangy mango-pineapple salsa that balances heat with sweetness. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, jerk seasoning, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced ripe mango
- 1 cup, diced pineapple chunks
- 1 small, finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub 4 chicken breasts evenly with 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning and 2 tablespoons olive oil; let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is nicely charred.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 diced mango, 1 cup diced pineapple chunks, 1 finely chopped small red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Mix gently and let sit to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced jerk-spiced chicken topped with the vibrant mango-pineapple salsa.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-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 Jerk-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mango-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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Amazing, but the salsa was too sweet for my taste.
- ★★★★☆
This is a keeper, but the chicken took longer to cook than the recipe suggested.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe overall, but the jerk seasoning needed a bit more time to marinate for the full flavor.