Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Name: Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning; 1 large mango, diced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; ½ cup coconut milk; ¼ cup fresh lime juice; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Published: August 19, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy jerk chicken and sweet mango salsa creates a delightful balance that is sure to please your taste buds.
Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can have this dish ready to serve in no time.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, these bowls fit right in.
Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with fresh ingredients and lean protein, this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your jerk chicken bowls.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill or stovetop grill pan
Medium saucepan
Small skillet
Mixing bowls
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Grill or stovetop grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the jerk chicken while locking in flavors.
Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the coconut rice evenly and ensuring it’s fluffy and delicious.
Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for preparing fresh ingredients like mango and vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create these flavorful Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice:

For the Jerk Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Coconut Rice

1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon coconut oil

For the Mango Salsa

1 large mango, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup corn kernels

Additional Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

How to Make Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Jerk Seasoning

In a small bowl:
Combine the jerk seasoning, ground allspice, ground thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil.
Coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse and Cook the Rice

While the chicken marinates:
Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, add rinsed rice and coconut milk; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18–20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Fluff Rice

After cooking:
Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Stir in coconut oil.

Step 6: Make Mango Salsa

For the salsa:
Peel and dice the mango into small cubes.
Finely chop red onion; add to mango.
Chop fresh cilantro; mix it in.
Add lime juice and honey; stir well.

Step 7: Sauté Corn

In a small skillet:
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add corn kernels; sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly charred.
Stir corn into mango salsa.

Step 8: Cook Chicken

Cook marinated chicken:
Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat; add remaining olive oil.
Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until cooked through (165°F / 74°C).

Step 9: Finalize Rice Flavor

While cooking chicken:
Squeeze fresh lime juice into rice; stir in ground ginger.

Step 10: Assemble Your Bowls

Finally:
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Start with a base of coconut rice in each bowl.
Top with sliced jerk chicken and spoon over mango salsa.

Serve immediately with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired! Enjoy your flavorful Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice!

How to Serve Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Serving jerk chicken bowls with mango salsa and coconut rice can elevate your dining experience. This dish not only looks vibrant but also offers an explosion of flavors that will impress your guests or family.

With Extra Lime Wedges

Add lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. The acidity from the lime enhances the flavors of the jerk chicken and mango salsa.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro or parsley on top. Fresh herbs provide a burst of freshness and color, making your bowl visually appealing.

Accompanied by Tortilla Chips

Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful contrast in texture. They can be used to scoop up the mango salsa, adding a fun element to your meal.

Paired with a Light Salad

A simple mixed greens salad can complement the richness of the coconut rice. Dress it lightly with vinaigrette to keep it refreshing.

With Spicy Pickles

Consider serving alongside spicy pickles for an added kick. The tangy and spicy notes will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Perfect Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Creating the perfect jerk chicken bowls requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your dish stands out.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and ripe mangoes. Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture, making your dish more vibrant.
Marinate Chicken Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours (or overnight). This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
Cook Chicken Correctly: Ensure you cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Proper cooking keeps it juicy while preventing dryness.
Balance Flavors: Taste your mango salsa as you prepare it. Adjust lime juice or honey based on preference for sweetness or acidity.

Best Side Dishes for Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Enhancing your jerk chicken bowls with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions grilled until tender add a smoky flavor that pairs well with jerk seasoning.
Black Bean Salad: A hearty black bean salad with corn, tomatoes, and cilantro offers a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet counterpoint that complements both the spice of the chicken and sweetness of the salsa.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing cools down any heat from the jerk chicken while adding crunch.
Plantains: Fried or baked plantains add a sweet, caramelized flavor that works beautifully alongside tropical ingredients.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots provides crunchiness and balances richness from coconut rice.
Rice & Peas: Traditional Caribbean rice & peas adds another layer of flavor while staying true to Caribbean cuisine roots.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds warmth and is great for soaking up any residual sauce or juices from your bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Over-marinating the chicken: Leaving chicken in the jerk seasoning for too long can make it overly salty. Aim for 15-30 minutes for the best flavor balance.
Not rinsing the rice: Skipping this step can lead to gummy rice. Always rinse your rice under cold water until it runs clear for fluffier texture.
Skipping the resting time: Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Ignoring the thickness of the salsa: If your mango salsa is too watery, chop ingredients smaller or drain excess juice. A thicker salsa clings better to the chicken and rice.
Cooking at too high a temperature: Cooking chicken on high heat can lead to burning outside and raw inside. Medium-high heat is ideal for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Freeze in individual portions for convenience.
Best used within 2-3 months; label containers with date.

Reheating Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Stovetop: Use medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice:

Can I use other proteins in Jerk Chicken Bowls?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different flavor profile.

How spicy are these Jerk Chicken Bowls?

The spice level depends on the jerk seasoning used; you can adjust by adding more or less seasoning according to your preference.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! The salsa can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

What else can I add to my Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice?

Feel free to customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, black beans, or additional veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is coconut rice suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Coconut rice stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep alongside your jerk chicken and salsa.

Final Thoughts

Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice offer a delightful mix of flavors that will transport you straight to the tropics. This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with different proteins or toppings based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a favorite!

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