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Exquisite Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

A vibrant and flavorful meal that combines jerk chicken with refreshing pineapple salsa.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500gchicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoonsjerk seasoning
  • 2 tablespoonssoy sauce
  • 1 tablespoonbrown sugar
  • 2 tablespoonslime juice
  • 2cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoonfresh ginger, minced
  • 1scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, chopped
  • 1 cupwhite rice
  • 1 cupfresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/4 cupred onion, diced
  • 1/4 cupred bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoonsfresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by marinating the chicken to allow all the flavors to soak in. In a mixing bowl, combine the jerk seasoning, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and the chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth marinade. Add the chicken thighs into the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least one hour. However, if you have time, marinating overnight will intensify the flavors even more.
  2. While the chicken marinates, it’s time to whip up the refreshing pineapple salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the diced pineapple, chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and then gently toss all the ingredients together to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together, allowing the salsa to develop its vibrant taste.
  3. Once you’re ready, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully take the marinated chicken thighs and place them on the hot surface. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is charred and cooked through. This should give you tender chicken while locking in all that jerk flavor. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips to serve.
  4. While the chicken is resting, prepare the white rice according to the package instructions. For an added flavor twist, consider cooking the rice in chicken broth rather than water, which enhances the overall taste of your bowl. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
  5. Now it’s time for the fun part—assembly! Take a bowl and start with a generous serving of fluffy rice at the base. Layer the sliced jerk chicken on top, and finish off by adding a hearty scoop of pineapple salsa. For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a lime wedge on the side. Your Jerk Chicken Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is now ready to be enjoyed!

Notes

Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption. Feel free to double or halve the batch according to your needs without changing the cooking process.

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