Description
Enjoy vibrant and fresh flavors with this easy Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa recipe. Featuring smoky, spicy jerk chicken paired with a bright and zesty mango salsa, the dish offers a perfect balance of bold spices and sweet fruitiness. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or colorful meals to impress guests, these bowls provide delicious satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Jerk Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning blend (with allspice, thyme, paprika, cinnamon)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Bowl Components
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup black beans, cooked
Instructions
- Prepare the Jerk Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the jerk seasoning blend, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the spices to fully penetrate the meat.
- Make the Fresh Mango Salsa: While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa by mixing diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro gently. Set aside for the flavors to marry.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa in each bowl. Add a scoop of black beans, sliced jerk chicken, and a generous helping of mango salsa on top. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor; overnight in the refrigerator is ideal.
- Use freshly ground allspice and cinnamon for enhanced jerk seasoning.
- Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing chili powder or fresh peppers.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain tenderness and juiciness.
- Prepare the mango salsa a day ahead to intensify flavors and save time.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: jerk chicken, mango salsa, Caribbean, gluten free, healthy bowl, spicy chicken, fresh salsa
