Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 5 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring juicy jerk chicken marinated in a spicy, aromatic blend and grilled to perfection. Served with refreshing mango avocado salsa and creamy coconut rice, this recipe brings a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tropical flair to your dinner table.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Jerk Chicken Marinade

  • 1 1/2 lbs trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 green onions, roots trimmed and chopped into thirds (or substitute 1/2 medium red onion)
  • 1 jalapeño, stemmed and chopped into thirds
  • 1-inch knob ginger, peeled and minced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing grill
  • 1 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Mango Avocado Salsa

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt to taste

Coconut Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound the thicker parts with the flat side of a meat mallet to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking; thighs do not require pounding.
  2. Make the Marinade: Add green onions, jalapeño, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, thyme, allspice, black pepper, and cinnamon to a food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture is somewhat coarse but well combined.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a gallon-size resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, rubbing it thoroughly to coat all pieces. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably up to 8 hours, to let the flavors penetrate.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (204°C). Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and cover loosely to keep warm. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  7. Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, gently combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño if using, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Mix just enough to combine without mashing the avocado.
  8. Cook the Coconut Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  9. Serve: Plate the rested jerk chicken over a bed of coconut rice and top with generous spoonfuls of mango avocado salsa. Enjoy this tropical, spicy meal warm.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the marinade and salsa according to your heat preference.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best tang and brightness in both the marinade and salsa.
  • Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch for fluffier coconut rice.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Caribbean