Soulful Spiced Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken marinated in bold Caribbean jerk spices, grilled and served with a refreshing mango salsa for a balance of heat and sweetness. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless and skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, allspice 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 410 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor or blender, combine 3 chopped scallions, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small minced scotch bonnet pepper (if using), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend into a smooth marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the jerk marinade over them, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, mix 1 large diced ripe mango, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, juice of 1 lime, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and stir gently.
  5. Step 5: Plate grilled jerk chicken thighs and top with fresh mango salsa. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soulful Spiced Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Soulful Spiced Jerk Chicken with Mango 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 Soulful Spiced 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 Soulful Spiced 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 Soulful Spiced 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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