Jerk Chicken Bowl Pineapple Salsa (Printable)
Spicy jerk-marinated chicken with pineapple salsa, avocado, red cabbage, and jasmine rice for a bright tropical bowl.
# What You'll Need:
→ Jerk Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
05 - 2 teaspoons brown sugar
06 - Juice of 1 lime
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pineapple Salsa
08 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
09 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
10 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - Juice of 1 lime
14 - Salt, to taste
→ Bowl Assembly
15 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
16 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
17 - 1 avocado, sliced
18 - 1/4 cup scallions, sliced
19 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and minced garlic until well combined. Add chicken thighs, coating thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine diced pineapple, chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Preheat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing.
04 - Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Arrange shredded red cabbage and sliced avocado over the rice. Top each bowl with sliced jerk chicken. Generously spoon pineapple salsa over chicken and garnish with sliced scallions and lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s like taking your taste buds on a Caribbean vacation without leaving home.
- This bowl brings a riot of colors and fresh toppings that make dinner feel festive even on a plain Tuesday.
02 -
- Once, I forgot to let the chicken rest and ended up with juices running everywhere – patience saves those flavors.
- Chopping the pineapple salsa too early can make it watery by dinner; always prep it fresh for the sweetest taste.
03 -
- Char the chicken for extra smoky flavor – it’s worth an open window and a little sizzle.
- A touch of extra lime juice in the salsa brightens the whole bowl more than you’d think.