Sheet Pan Spiced Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
A vibrant sheet pan dish featuring tender jerk-spiced chicken thighs paired with a fresh pineapple salsa that balances heat and sweetness. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends (about 2.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, olive oil 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 350 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 6 pieces (about 2.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs) with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on a rimmed sheet pan in a single layer. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While the chicken roasts, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and chill.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each chicken thigh topped with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa for a refreshing contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Spiced Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Spiced Jerk Chicken with Pineapple 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 Sheet Pan Spiced Jerk Chicken with 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 Sheet Pan Spiced Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Sheet Pan Spiced Jerk Chicken with Pineapple 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.