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Close up view of the dark smoky jerk chicken crust and vibrant green jalapenos in a healthy bowl.

Jerk Chicken Bowl with Smoky Charred Chicken and Fresh Pineapple Salsa

A vibrant, healthy Jerk Chicken Bowl featuring tender chicken with a smoky charred crust, served over fluffy white rice with a zesty pineapple jalapeno salsa and a glistening lime juice glaze.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican-Inspired
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Jerk Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast Boneless, skinless
  • 2 tbsp Jerk Seasoning Includes allspice, thyme, and brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
The Rice
  • 1.5 cups Long-Grain White Rice Rinsed
  • 2.25 cups Water For steaming
The Salsa
  • 2 cups Fresh Pineapple Finely diced
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Finely chopped
  • 2 medium Jalapenos Diced
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped flakes
The Finishing Glaze
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice For the glistening finish
  • 1 tsp Honey To provide body to the glaze

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Essential for creating the dark, smoky char.
  • 1 Fine-mesh Sieve To rinse rice for maximum fluffiness.

Method
 

Prep and Steam
  1. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve. Combine with water in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Mix diced pineapple, red onion, and jalapenos in a bowl. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Coat chicken in oil and jerk seasoning. Sear in a hot cast iron skillet for 5-6 minutes per side until a dark, smoky crust forms and internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
  2. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then cut into thick, even slices.
Assemble
  1. Layer rice in a matte grey bowl. Add chicken slices and a mound of salsa. Garnish with cilantro and drizzle with lime glaze.

Notes

Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding chicken to get that authentic char.
If using a store-bought jerk seasoning, ensure it contains brown sugar for the best crust appearance.