Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe

Ready for a true Caribbean getaway right in your own kitchen? These vibrant Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice are a whirlwind of bold flavors, juicy grilled chicken, tropical fruits, and creamy, aromatic rice. They bring together the smoky heat of traditional jerk spice with a punchy, refreshing mango salsa, all nestled atop the irresistible creaminess of coconut rice. Every bite is a little taste of sunshine, perfect for livening up weeknights or impressing your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice is in both their simplicity and how every carefully chosen ingredient shines through. Each item brings something essential—whether it’s flavor, color, or texture—to this bright and satisfying dish.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for quick grilling and juicy texture.
• Jerk seasoning: The heart and soul of the flavor—use a good-quality blend, or make your own for extra depth.
• Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and gives the chicken a golden crust as it grills.
• Ground allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, salt & pepper: Each spice layers more warmth and complexity, truly mimicking classic jerk flavor.
• Coconut milk: Rich and creamy—this turns everyday rice into velvety indulgence.
• Long-grain white rice: The perfect blank canvas for soaking up those sweet and spicy flavors.
• Coconut oil: Lends extra aroma and a lovely gloss to the final rice.
• Large mango: Look for one that’s juicy and just-ripe—the natural sweetness balances the spice.
• Red onion: Adds crunch and a peppery bite to the salsa.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings a hint of herbal brightness to both rice and salsa.
• Lime juice: Zings everything up with citrusy freshness and ties all the components together.
• Honey: Just a drizzle here helps the salsa sing!
• Corn kernels: A little char adds smoky-sweet pops in every bite.
• Olive oil (for sautéing): Needed for charring the corn and for cooking the chicken evenly.
• Ground ginger: Stirred into the rice at the end for spicy warmth and depth.

How to Make Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Jerk Spice Mix

Let’s start with the flavor foundation! In a bowl, combine your jerk seasoning, ground allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these yourself intensifies the aroma and really sets the tone for your Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice. Set aside your spicy magic for the next step.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Rub your chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them generously with the spice mixture you just made. Give each piece a loving massage so those flavors really get in there. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes—this is when the spices do their best work.

Step 3: Cook the Coconut Rice

While the chicken is soaking up those spices, give your rice a quick rinse under cold water until it runs clear. In a saucepan, add the rinsed rice and creamy coconut milk, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook until the rice is tender and the kitchen smells like a tropical dream—about 18 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the coconut oil for that extra glossy finish.

Step 4: Make the Mango Salsa

Time for the salsa! Dice up your mango, finely chop some red onion, and toss both into a bowl. Add in fresh cilantro, lime juice, and honey. Give everything a good mix until you have a colorful, juicy salsa that smells as good as it looks.

Step 5: Char the Corn

In a small skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re a bit charred and smoky. Fold them into your mango salsa for an irresistible crunch and a little extra sweetness.

Step 6: Grill the Jerk Chicken

Fire up your grill or grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Drizzle in the last tablespoon of olive oil, then lay on the chicken breasts. Cook them 6-7 minutes per side, just until they’re cooked through and have that tantalizing char. Let them rest for 5 minutes so the juices stay put when you slice.

Step 7: Finish the Coconut Rice

Right before serving, stir a splash of fresh lime juice and a pinch of ground ginger into your coconut rice. This last-minute touch brightens up the entire base of your Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

It’s showtime! Start with a generous scoop of coconut rice in each bowl. Top with slices of that juicy jerk chicken, and spoon the mango salsa over the chicken. Add extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for anyone who loves a zesty finish.

How to Serve Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on garnishes! A few extra cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime instantly lift your bowl, while thinly sliced red chilies or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes make it Instagram-worthy. These little touches add both flavor and a cheerful finish to your Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice.

Side Dishes

While these bowls shine on their own, you can always serve them alongside crisp plantain chips, a simple green salad, or even some grilled vegetables. These sides keep things light and fresh, complementing the boldness of the main event without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping dinner party, try serving the Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice family style—a big platter of sliced chicken, a mound of coconut rice, and a heaping bowl of salsa. Or, layer everything into smaller mason jars or parfait glasses for an easy grab-and-go picnic version that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover chicken, rice, and salsa into separate airtight containers as soon as possible. The coconut rice will keep well for up to four days in the fridge, while the jerk chicken and salsa are best enjoyed within three days for peak freshness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze both the jerk chicken and coconut rice if needed—just cool them completely before packaging. Store the chicken and rice in separate freezer bags or containers for up to two months. The mango salsa is best made fresh, as freezing affects its texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the coconut rice and chicken separately until steaming hot, or gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep everything moist. Always add your salsa after reheating to keep those fruits crisp and refreshing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice and will turn out even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time a bit, as they may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for coconut milk in the rice?

If you prefer, you can use a mixture of whole milk and a bit of shredded coconut for a lighter twist, but nothing quite beats the creamy flavor that coconut milk brings to these Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice.

How spicy is this recipe?

This dish has a warm, moderate heat from the jerk seasoning and cayenne pepper, but you can dial it up or down by adjusting the amount of cayenne or using a mild jerk blend. Kids and spice-sensitive friends can always go lighter on the salsa.

Can I prepare any elements ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, cook the rice in advance, and chop most of the salsa ingredients ahead—just assemble right before serving for the freshest results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice are naturally gluten-free. Just double check all your spice blends and sauces to ensure no extra additives.

Final Thoughts

There’s a real thrill in creating a meal that looks as beautiful as it tastes, and these Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice check every box. I hope you’ll give them a try and let their vibrant flavors transport you—who knows, they may become your new go-to favorite for any occasion!

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