Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

There’s something magical about the way spicy, smoky jerk chicken meets the bright, tropical freshness of pineapple salsa. The heat and char from the chicken balance perfectly with the cool burst of juicy fruit and herbs—creating a dish that feels like sunshine in every bite. I love recipes that deliver bold flavors without hours in the kitchen, and this one hits that sweet spot every time.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal prep idea, this jerk chicken bowl brings variety and energy to your table. It’s one of those meals that satisfies cravings while still feeling vibrant and fresh. The best part? It’s all layered in a single bowl—grilled jerk chicken, fluffy rice, and zingy pineapple salsa—making it as easy to serve as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

This bowl packs a punch of flavor in every component. The jerk marinade is spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, caramelizing beautifully on the grill or pan. The pineapple salsa adds contrast with its juicy texture, citrusy tang, and crunch from red onion. Combined with rice, it turns into a hearty, crave-worthy meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to customize for different dietary needs.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Jerk Chicken Bowls?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to. They stay juicy and tender even after high-heat cooking and soak up the jerk marinade beautifully. That said, chicken breasts will also work if you prefer a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook them. You can even use rotisserie chicken in a pinch and toss it in jerk sauce for a quick fix.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh pineapple, canned will work—just make sure it’s packed in juice, not syrup. For those who can’t handle too much heat, tone down the spice by reducing the scotch bonnet or habanero in the marinade. Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. And if you’re vegetarian, grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas make excellent substitutes for the chicken.

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Ingredients for This Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the bold jerk marinade.
• Jerk Seasoning or Marinade: A fiery blend of allspice, thyme, garlic, scallions, ginger, and hot peppers that gives the chicken its signature Caribbean flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami base to balance the heat in the marinade.
• Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness that helps caramelize the chicken as it cooks.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick to both the chicken and salsa.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh and aromatic, essential for the jerk flavor base.
• Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Pepper: The heat factor. Use with caution and gloves.
• White Rice: Fluffy and neutral, it absorbs all the rich flavors from the chicken and salsa.
• Pineapple: Fresh, sweet, and tangy—forms the base of the vibrant salsa.
• Red Onion: Adds crunch and sharpness to the salsa.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• Fresh Cilantro: Herbal and citrusy, essential for that salsa freshness.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and in the salsa for a smooth texture.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine jerk seasoning, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deep flavor.

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Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Salsa

In a separate bowl, mix diced pineapple, red onion, chopped red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt. Toss gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then place the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

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Step 4: Cook the Rice

Prepare white rice according to package instructions. For added flavor, consider cooking it in chicken broth with a pinch of salt.

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Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of rice, top with sliced jerk chicken, then spoon generous amounts of pineapple salsa over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor.

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How Long to Prepare the Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

Prep Time: Most of the active work happens in prepping the marinade and salsa. Marinating the chicken takes at least 1 hour (though overnight is ideal), but hands-on prep time is about 25 minutes. This includes slicing vegetables, measuring ingredients, and cooking rice.

Cook Time: Cooking the chicken takes 12–16 minutes depending on thickness, and the rice takes about 15–20 minutes. The salsa can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at 40–45 minutes of cook time if you’re multitasking.

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Tips for Perfect Jerk Chicken Bowls

• Marinate Overnight: Letting the chicken sit in the marinade overnight deepens the flavor and makes it more tender.
• Use Fresh Pineapple: Canned pineapple works in a pinch, but fresh gives you the best texture and tropical taste.
• Char for Flavor: Don’t be afraid to get a good sear on the chicken. That blackened edge is full of flavor.
• Cool the Salsa: Let the salsa sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
• Balance the Bowl: If it’s too spicy, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk over the rice.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Rushing this step leads to bland chicken.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F (74°C) internally, and let it rest before slicing.
• Not Tasting the Salsa: Make sure the pineapple salsa is balanced—sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy.
• Soggy Rice: Don’t add too much liquid if you’re cooking your rice with broth. Follow instructions closely.
• Using Too Much Pepper: Scotch bonnets or habaneros are intense—start small and adjust.

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What to Serve With Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa?

1. Grilled Plantains

Sweet and caramelized, they echo the tropical vibe and complement the spice of the chicken.

2. Coconut Rice

If you want to switch it up from plain white rice, coconut rice adds creamy richness.

3. Black Beans

A protein-packed side that works beautifully with the smoky jerk flavors.

4. Avocado Slices

They cool down the heat and add a creamy texture contrast.

5. Mango Slaw

Crispy, tangy, and slightly sweet—it pairs well with the pineapple salsa and adds crunch.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken, rice, and pineapple salsa in separate airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and rice before serving; salsa is best served cold or at room temperature.

Freezer: You can freeze the cooked jerk chicken for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan or microwave. Do not freeze the salsa as it will become watery.

Meal Prep Tip: Portion everything into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

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Estimated Nutrition (per bowl)

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 13g
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have jerk seasoning?

You can make your own with ground allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, cayenne, and black pepper.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas instead of chicken and marinate them in a jerk-style sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, but you can control the heat by reducing or omitting the scotch bonnet/habanero peppers in the marinade.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Toss pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in jerk sauce and warm it up before assembling the bowl.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Marinate the chicken and make the salsa the night before. Cook everything fresh the next day for the best flavor.

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Conclusion

The Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a flavor-packed, vibrant meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something bold and tropical. With just a bit of prep and a burst of spice, you’ll have a dish that’s as exciting to eat as it is to make.

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