Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of Caribbean flavor! Our Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is not just a meal; it’s a tropical escape right in your kitchen. Imagine succulent chicken thighs marinated in aromatic jerk seasoning, perfectly grilled to crispy perfection, and topped with a refreshing, zesty pineapple salsa that sings with every bite. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something vibrant and delicious, this dish is sure to impress. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your friends and family begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning adherence and crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly coat chicken thighs with jerk seasoning, massaging the spices into the meat to ensure complete coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is nearly smoking.
- Place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan, allowing them to cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- While chicken cooks, prepare pineapple salsa by combining diced pineapple, red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice in a mixing bowl.
- Gently mix salsa ingredients and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Once chicken is fully cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate chicken thighs and top generously with fresh pineapple salsa before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Chicken: Allow your chicken thighs to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect juicy texture.
- Dry and Season: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy skin and helps the jerk seasoning stick better.
- Heat Your Pan: Make sure your skillet or grill pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. The oil should shimmer and be nearly smoking to get that golden-brown sear.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite more flavorful.
- Flavorful Salsa: For the best pineapple salsa, let the ingredients sit together for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the jerk chicken with a side of rice or grilled vegetables to create a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 145mg
