Savor the vibrant flavors of Jerk Chicken paired with a refreshing Mango Avocado Salsa and aromatic Coconut Rice. This enticing dish brings a taste of the Caribbean into your kitchen, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a delightful family dinner.
Some of the ingredients for this recipe might not be staple items in your pantry. Fresh thyme leaves, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring a unique depth of flavor to the jerk chicken. Also, for the salsa, ensure you pick ripe mango and avocado for the best taste. These can be found in the produce section of your supermarket.
Ingredients For Jerk Chicken With Mango Avocado Salsa And Coconut Rice
Chicken breasts: A lean cut of poultry that forms the protein base of the dish.
Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor to the marinade.
Jalapeno: Provides a spicy kick to the jerk marinade.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic: Adds a strong, pungent flavor to the marinade.
Soy sauce: Enhances the umami taste and provides saltiness.
Fresh lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the marinade.
Olive oil: Helps to meld the marinade ingredients together.
Light brown sugar: Balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a fresh, earthy note.
Ground allspice: A key spice in jerk seasoning with a warm flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds heat and complexity.
Ground cinnamon: Gives a sweet and woody flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a sweet, nutty flavor.
Coconut rice: A fragrant side dish made with coconut milk.
Mango avocado salsa: A fresh, fruity accompaniment to balance the spiciness of the chicken.
One reader, Devina Mcneely says:
This jerk chicken with mango avocado salsa and coconut rice recipe is a flavor explosion! The spicy, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the refreshing salsa and creamy coconut rice. It's a delightful, tropical meal that feels like a mini-vacation on a plate. Highly recommend trying it!
Cooking Techniques Required for This Recipe
How to pound chicken breasts: Use the flat side of a meat mallet to even out the thickness of the chicken breasts by gently pounding the thicker parts. How to use a food processor: Add the marinade ingredients to a food processor and pulse several times until the mixture is somewhat coarse. How to marinate chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, rub the marinade into the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours. How to preheat a grill: Set the grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. How to brush grill grates with oil: Use a brush to apply oil to the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. How to grill chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. How to use an instant-read thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the center of the chicken to check if it has reached the desired internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. How to let chicken rest: Remove the chicken from the grill, cover it to keep warm, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How To Make Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice
Full of warm Jamaican flavors, this jerk chicken is a smoky dish that is complemented by the fresh and light tastes of the salsa and coconut rice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbschicken breasts,or chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, trimmed
- 8green onions,roots trimmed, chopped into thirds
- 1jalapeño,stemmed, chopped into thirds
- 1inchknob ginger,peeled and minced
- 3clovesgarlic
- ⅓cupsoy sauce
- ¼cupfresh lime juice
- 2tbspolive oil,plus more for grill
- 1tbsplight brown sugar,packed
- 2tspfresh thyme leaves
- 1tspground allspice
- 1tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ½tspground cinnamon
- ½tspground nutmeg
- Coconut Rice,see notes below for recipe
- Mango Avocado Salsa,see notes below for recipe
Instructions
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If using chicken breasts, pound thicker parts with the flat side of a meat mallet to even out their thickness.
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Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag.
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Add remaining marinade ingredients to a food processor and plus several times to chop (it should be somewhat coarse).
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Pour marinade over chicken in bag and rub marinade over chicken, seal bag, transfer to refrigerator and allow to marinate at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours.
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Preheat a grill over medium-high heat to about 400 degrees F.
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Brush grill grates with oil then place chicken on grill.
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Grill for about 4 to 5 mintues per side until center of chicken registers 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.
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Remove from grill, cover to keep warm and let rest 5 minutes. Serve warm over Coconut Rice and top with Mango Avocado Salsa.
Recipe Notes
Recipe for Coconut Rice.
Recipe for Mango Avocado Salsa.
Nutrition
- Calories: 398.20kcal
- Fat: 22.90g
- Saturated Fat: 5.59g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.16g
- Carbohydrates: 9.59g
- Fiber: 1.76g
- Sugar: 3.49g
- Protein: 38.19g
- Cholesterol: 108.86mg
- Sodium: 1281.86mg
- Calcium: 67.55mg
- Potassium: 620.89mg
- Iron: 2.34mg
- Vitamin A: 59.31µg
- Vitamin C: 16.07mg
Key Technique for Perfectly Grilled Jerk Chicken
To ensure the chicken absorbs maximum flavor from the marinade, make small slits in the thicker parts of the chicken breasts before placing them in the resealable bag. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy jerk chicken.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice
Prepare the marinade in advance: Make the marinade the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Buy pre-cut mango and avocado to quickly assemble the salsa.
Instant-read thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to quickly check the chicken's doneness.
Batch cook coconut rice: Cook a large batch of coconut rice and freeze portions for future meals.
Food processor efficiency: Use a food processor to chop all marinade ingredients quickly and evenly.
Substitute Ingredients For Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.
Green onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter than jalapenos but can provide a similar flavor profile.
Ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic quality, though it is slightly more citrusy.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has a similar umami flavor.
Fresh lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.
Olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking.
Light brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note to the dish.
Fresh thyme leaves - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar herbaceous flavor.
Ground allspice - Substitute with ground cloves: Ground cloves have a similar warm, spicy flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
Ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom has a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other spices.
Ground nutmeg - Substitute with mace: Mace has a similar flavor to nutmeg but is slightly more intense.
Coconut rice - Substitute with jasmine rice: Jasmine rice has a fragrant aroma and can be cooked with coconut milk to mimic coconut rice.
Mango avocado salsa - Substitute with pineapple avocado salsa: Pineapple provides a similar sweetness and tropical flavor to mango.
Best Way to Present Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the chicken breasts into elegant, thin medallions to create a refined presentation. This allows the jerk seasoning to be showcased on each piece.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and thin slices of jalapeno to add a pop of color and hint at the flavors within the dish.
Layer the components: Place a mound of coconut rice in the center of the plate. Arrange the chicken medallions in a fan shape around the rice to create a visually appealing layout.
Add height: Use a ring mold to shape the coconut rice into a neat cylinder. This adds height and structure to the dish, making it more visually striking.
Highlight the salsa: Spoon the mango avocado salsa over the top of the chicken medallions, allowing some to cascade down the sides. This not only adds vibrant color but also showcases the fresh ingredients.
Drizzle with sauce: Reserve a small amount of the jerk marinade and reduce it to a thick sauce. Drizzle this around the plate for added flavor and a professional touch.
Use contrasting colors: Ensure the mango avocado salsa is vibrant and fresh. The bright yellow of the mango and green of the avocado will contrast beautifully with the dark, caramelized jerk chicken.
Finish with a touch of luxury: Add a few edible flowers or microgreens on top of the mango avocado salsa for an elegant finish. This adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the overall presentation.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Jerk Chicken and Sides
- Let the jerk chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days.
- Store the coconut rice in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
- The mango avocado salsa is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may start to brown slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
- To freeze the jerk chicken, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- It's not recommended to freeze the coconut rice or mango avocado salsa, as their textures and flavors may be compromised upon thawing.
- When reheating the jerk chicken, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as it may dry out.
How to Reheat Leftover Jerk Chicken and Sides
To reheat leftover jerk chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Brush the chicken with a little olive oil or coconut oil to help keep it moist. Cover the chicken loosely with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the jerk chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a little olive oil or coconut oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
For the coconut rice, place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of coconut milk or water. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
If you prefer, you can also reheat the coconut rice in a saucepan on the stovetop. Add the rice and a splash of coconut milk or water to the saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
To reheat the mango avocado salsa, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. If the salsa seems a little dry, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to help brighten the flavors.
When reheating the jerk chicken, be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the chicken to become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
To serve, plate the reheated coconut rice and top with the warm jerk chicken. Spoon the mango avocado salsa over the top of the chicken and enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Interesting Fact About Jerk Chicken
A random fact about this recipe is that jerk chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish known for its spicy marinade, which typically includes ingredients like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. The mango avocado salsa adds a refreshing and sweet contrast to the spiciness, while the coconut rice provides a creamy and slightly sweet base, making this dish a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Is Making Jerk Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This jerk chicken with mango avocado salsa and coconut rice recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients like chicken breasts, green onions, jalapeno, ginger, and garlic are relatively affordable. However, items like fresh thyme leaves, mango, and avocado can be pricier depending on the season. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 7 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30 USD.
Is This Jerk Chicken Recipe Healthy?
The jerk chicken with mango avocado salsa and coconut rice recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, fruits, and complex carbohydrates. The chicken provides lean protein, while the mango and avocado salsa offers healthy fats and vitamins. The coconut rice adds a source of complex carbohydrates to the meal.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The marinade contains soy sauce, which is high in sodium. Reducing the amount of soy sauce or using a low-sodium alternative would help decrease the overall sodium content of the dish.
- The recipe calls for olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but the quantity could be reduced to lower the overall calorie count.
- The brown sugar in the marinade adds extra calories and sugar to the dish. Reducing the amount or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey could be a healthier option.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the salsa by adding diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or cucumbers. This will provide additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for the coconut rice. Brown rice is a whole grain that contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to white rice.
- Serve the jerk chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal.
- Opt for organic, free-range chicken whenever possible to ensure the highest quality protein source and to avoid potential exposure to hormones or antibiotics.
Editor's Opinion on This Flavorful Jerk Chicken Recipe
This jerk chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The marinade, with its blend of soy sauce, lime juice, and spices, promises a robust and aromatic profile. Pairing the spicy, savory chicken with the refreshing mango avocado salsa and creamy coconut rice creates a harmonious balance of heat, sweetness, and richness. The grilling method ensures a smoky char that enhances the overall taste. Marinating for up to 8 hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful. This dish is a vibrant, well-rounded culinary experience.
Enhance Your Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Caribbean-Inspired Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Jerk Chicken Recipe
Why trust this Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe:
This recipe combines the bold flavors of jerk chicken with the refreshing taste of mango avocado salsa and the creamy texture of coconut rice. The marinade, made with fresh ingredients like green onions, ginger, and lime juice, ensures the chicken is flavorful and tender. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky depth, while the salsa provides a sweet and tangy contrast. This dish is a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and richness, making it a crowd-pleaser. Trust this recipe for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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