Introduction
If you love bold flavors, tropical vibes, and a meal that’s fun to eat, this Jerk Chicken Bowl with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice is perfect for you. It’s colorful, packed with taste, and surprisingly easy to make. Imagine juicy, spicy jerk chicken paired with sweet and tangy mango salsa, all served on creamy coconut rice. It’s like a mini vacation on your plate!
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying something new, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. Don’t worry if you’ve never made jerk chicken or mango salsa before—we’ll break it down step by step.
Ingredients – Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice.
For the Jerk Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
- Juice of 1 lime
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
For the Coconut Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro
Step by Step Process – Jerk Chicken Bowls with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and makes the rice fluffy.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 2: Make the Mango Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture.
- Add a pinch of salt and gently stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep it in the fridge while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Jerk Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Rub each chicken breast with olive oil and coat it evenly with jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- In a bowl, add a scoop of coconut rice as the base.
- Place sliced jerk chicken on top of the rice.
- Add a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
- Optionally, add avocado slices, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your colorful, flavorful Jerk Chicken Bowl with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice is ready to eat! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a special weekend meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well with jerk seasoning. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q2: Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salsa a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just add the cilantro right before serving to keep it fresh.
Q3: Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. You can replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted vegetables while keeping the same coconut rice and mango salsa.
Q4: Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, but cooking time will increase. Brown rice usually takes 30–40 minutes to cook, and you may need extra liquid.
Q5: How spicy is this recipe?
The spice mainly comes from jerk seasoning and optional jalapeño. If you prefer mild, reduce the seasoning or skip the jalapeño.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Jerk Chicken Bowl with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice is a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing with its bright colors. The best part? It’s easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
You can customize it to your liking by adjusting spice levels or adding toppings like avocado or extra veggies. So next time you want a meal that feels like a tropical getaway without leaving your kitchen, give this recipe a try. It’s wholesome, tasty, and fun to make. Enjoy every bite!
