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Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice served in a ceramic bowl with grilled chicken, fresh mango, and herbs.
Reda

Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Spicy-sweet Caribbean jerk chicken over creamy coconut rice, topped with bright mango salsa for a weeknight dinner that tastes like vacation.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Coconut Rice
  • 1.5 cups jasmine rice rinsed until water runs clear
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk 13.5 oz, shaken well
  • 0.75 cup water
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
For the Jerk Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs about 6 thighs, patted dry
  • 2 tbsp jerk seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
For the Mango Salsa
  • 2 cups ripe mango diced, about 2 large mangos
  • 0.5 red bell pepper diced small
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for serving
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Grill Pan
  • Medium Saucepan with Lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Make the Coconut Rice
  1. Combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Prep and Cook the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Rub jerk seasoning evenly over all sides, pressing it into the meat. Let sit at room temperature while you make the salsa, or refrigerate up to 4 hours ahead.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deeply browned. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more until cooked through and juices run clear. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Make the Mango Salsa
  1. While chicken cooks, combine diced mango, bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Toss gently and taste - add more lime or salt if needed. Let sit at room temperature for flavors to meld, or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide coconut rice among bowls. Top with sliced jerk chicken and a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

For authentic heat, look for jerk seasoning with scotch bonnet pepper listed, or add a pinch of cayenne. The salsa is best with slightly firm mangos that hold their dice - avoid overripe fruit that turns mushy. Make the rice and salsa up to a day ahead; rewarm rice with a splash of water and bring salsa to room temperature before serving.