Pan-Seared Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
Spicy pan-seared chicken infused with classic Caribbean jerk seasoning, served with a vibrant pineapple salsa that balances heat with sweetness. This Caribbean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, 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. 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 (about 1.5 lbs) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Know when the chicken is done: thermometers under $100 → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken thighs and rub evenly with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and 1 tsp salt, coating all sides. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until the exterior is dark golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup diced 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 1/2 tsp black pepper and gently toss to combine.
- Step 4: Serve the seared jerk chicken topped with the fresh pineapple salsa for a sweet and spicy contrast.







