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Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowl

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowl
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Discover the authentic flavors of the Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowl featuring smoky, spicy jerk-marinated chicken served over a rice or quinoa base with fresh, vibrant toppings like mango or pineapple salsa, black beans, bell peppers, and red onions. This easy, customizable, and nutritious bowl is perfect for meal prep, bringing bold Caribbean spices and balanced nutrition to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, juicy and tender

Jerk Marinade

  • 2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime

Base

  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (according to package instructions)

Toppings

  • 1 cup mango or pineapple salsa (fresh, sweet and tangy)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onions, chopped
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jerk Marinade and Chicken: In a bowl, combine allspice, ground cinnamon, dried thyme, minced garlic, chili powder, olive oil, and lime juice. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to absorb all the bold flavors.
  2. Cook the Rice or Quinoa Base: While the chicken marinates, cook rice or quinoa following the package instructions. Fluffy grains will provide a neutral base to balance the spicy chicken and fresh toppings.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred, creating that signature smoky depth.
  4. Prepare the Fresh Toppings: While the chicken cooks, chop the bell peppers and red onions. Prepare the mango or pineapple salsa, and drain and rinse the black beans. These elements add sweet, fresh, and crunchy contrasts to the spicy chicken.
  5. Assemble Your Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice or quinoa first, then add black beans, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and top with jerk chicken. Finish with fresh salsa, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper, richer flavor.
  • Use freshly ground spices for the most authentic jerk taste.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
  • Lightly toast grains before cooking for a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Balance spicy heat with sweet elements like mango or pineapple salsa.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caribbean jerk chicken, jerk chicken bowl, spicy chicken, healthy bowl, meal prep, gluten free, Caribbean recipe, mango salsa, black beans

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/caribbean-jerk-chicken-bowl/