Get ready to transform your kitchen into a tropical paradise with this explosive Jerk Chicken Mango Salsa recipe that promises to transport you straight to the vibrant streets of the Caribbean! Imagine tender, spicy chicken thighs perfectly charred and topped with a zesty, sweet mango salsa that will make your palate sing with excitement. Whether you're a culinary adventurer or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this dish is guaranteed to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear during cooking. This will help the jerk seasoning adhere better.
- In a small bowl, combine the jerk seasoning with a tablespoon of oil (optional) to create a paste. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the mango salsa. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, and lime juice. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients together. Taste the salsa and add salt to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill or oven is ready, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or a baking sheet if using the oven. Cook the chicken for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy and caramelized. If grilling, you can cover the grill to help the chicken cook evenly.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist.
- While the chicken is resting, give the mango salsa another gentle stir. Adjust the seasoning with more lime juice or salt if necessary.
- To serve, place a chicken thigh on each plate and top generously with the fresh mango salsa. Enjoy your delicious jerk chicken with mango salsa alongside rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the jerk seasoning to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Salsa Freshness: Prepare your mango salsa just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavors and texture.
- Grill vs. Oven: While grilling provides a smoky flavor, an oven works perfectly if you don't have a grill. Just ensure you get a nice caramelization on the chicken skin.
- Spice Control: Adjust the jalapeño in the salsa according to your heat tolerance. Remove seeds for less heat, or add more for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 284kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
