Quick Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa

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

Spicy jerk-seasoned chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh, sweet mango salsa. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil, coating all sides. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and charred marks appear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each breast topped generously with the fresh mango salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken with Mango 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 Quick Caribbean-Style Jerk Chicken with Mango 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 breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Caribbean-Style Jerk 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 Quick Caribbean-Style Jerk 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 Quick Caribbean-Style Jerk 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.

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