Jerk Chicken Bowl With Pineapple (Printer-friendly)
Spicy jerk chicken with pineapple salsa, rice, avocado and cabbage for a vibrant Caribbean-style bowl.
# What You Need:
→ Jerk Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
05 - 2 teaspoons brown sugar
06 - Juice of 1 lime
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pineapple Salsa
08 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
09 - 0.5 small red onion, finely chopped
10 - 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
11 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
12 - 0.25 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 - 0.25 cup scallions, sliced
19 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine jerk seasoning, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and minced garlic. Submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coating. Allow to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for intensified flavor.
02 - In a separate bowl, blend pineapple, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix until evenly combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, cooking each side for 6 to 7 minutes until the exterior is slightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat, let rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each with shredded red cabbage, avocado slices, and sliced jerk chicken. Generously spoon pineapple salsa over the contents. Garnish with scallions and lime wedges as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You’ll bite into smoky, spicy chicken and the zingy pineapple salsa will instantly make it taste like vacation.
- Every topping invites improvisation, so it's never boring and always tailored to whoever shows up hungry.
02 -
- If you skip the marinade time, the chicken just won’t have the depth of flavor you’re after.
- Resting the cooked chicken before slicing makes every bite more tender and juicy—it’s worth the patience.
03 -
- The best flavor comes from a good char—don’t be afraid to leave the chicken undisturbed as it cooks to get that crust.
- Adding the lime at the end brightens up every bite, so hand out extra wedges with every bowl.