If sunshine had a flavor, it would taste just like this: Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa. ☀️
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in fiery jerk spices meets a refreshing, golden pineapple salsa — a dance of heat, sweetness, and tropical joy in every bite.

This dish captures the essence of the Caribbean: bold, vibrant, and full of life. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or craving a midweek flavor adventure, this recipe brings the islands right to your plate. 🌺

🌶️ The Heart of Caribbean Flavor

Jerk chicken is a Jamaican culinary treasure — known for its smoky, spicy, and aromatic blend of herbs and spices. Traditionally cooked over pimento wood, it carries a complexity that’s as lively as the culture it comes from.

The marinade combines ingredients like scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic, creating a fiery and fragrant base that penetrates deep into the meat. When paired with a cool, juicy pineapple salsa, the contrast is absolute perfection — spicy meets sweet, hot meets refreshing.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Jerk Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts 🍗
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime 🍋
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, seeded and chopped (adjust for heat) 🌶️
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

For the Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced 🍍
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• Juice of 1 lime 🍈
• Salt, to taste

Optional Sides:

• Steamed jasmine or coconut rice 🍚
• Grilled corn on the cob 🌽
• Fresh lime wedges for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Jerk Marinade

In a blender or food processor, combine onion, green onions, garlic, pepper, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Blend until you have a smooth, thick paste — this is your jerk marinade.

💡 Tip: For authentic heat, keep a few seeds from the Scotch bonnet. For milder flavor, use half the pepper or substitute with jalapeño.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the jerk marinade over them, making sure each piece is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight marination gives the best flavor infusion.

During this time, the lime and spices tenderize the chicken, while the allspice and thyme add that distinct Caribbean aroma.

3. Make the Pineapple Salsa

While the chicken marinates, prepare the vibrant salsa.
In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to mix.

Let it sit for 15–20 minutes so the flavors meld together — the pineapple releases its juices, creating a refreshing, zesty topping that balances the jerk spice perfectly. 🍍✨

4. Cook the Jerk Chicken

You can grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken — each method works beautifully.

🔥 To Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges. The caramelized jerk coating will release an irresistible smoky aroma.

🍳 To Pan-Sear:

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy inside.

🍽️ To Bake:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking tray and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra flavor, finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to char the top slightly.

5. Serve It Island-Style 🌴

Slice the jerk chicken and serve over a bed of coconut rice or warm tortillas.
Top generously with pineapple salsa and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Every bite delivers the perfect contrast: the smoky heat of the jerk chicken and the juicy sweetness of tropical fruit.

🍹 Serving Ideas

Turn this dish into a full Caribbean feast:

• Add fried plantains for a sweet touch 🍌
• Serve with rice and peas for an authentic Jamaican experience
• Pair with a cold pineapple mojito, rum punch, or ginger beer for that true island vibe 🍹

And don’t forget the sunshine — whether real or imagined — this meal tastes better with a smile and good music playing in the background. 🎶☀️

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Jerk Chicken

1. Use thighs for juicier results — they stay tender and flavorful even with high heat.
2. Don’t skip marination time! The longer the chicken sits, the deeper the flavor.
3. Balance the heat — adjust pepper levels to your liking. The salsa’s sweetness will naturally tone down the spice.
4. Rest before slicing — this locks in the juices.
5. Add a smoky finish — a few minutes on the grill or under the broiler makes all the difference.

🌺 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a meal — it’s a mood.
Every forkful of Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa feels like sunshine after rain — bright, bold, and full of joy. 🌞

The heat of the jerk seasoning meets the sweetness of pineapple in a flavor harmony that makes your taste buds dance.
It’s a recipe that brings people together — whether around a dinner table, a backyard grill, or a beach bonfire.

🌈 Final Thoughts

Caribbean food is about love, rhythm, and community — and this dish embodies all of that.
Make it for your family, share it with friends, or enjoy it on your own as a well-deserved tropical getaway.

Because sometimes, the best vacations start right in your kitchen. 🍍🔥
Taste the islands. Feel the sunshine. Live the flavor.