Name: Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or coconut rice); 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained); 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/2 cup diced mango; 1/2 avocado (sliced); 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; lime wedges for serving

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If you’re craving a meal that packs a punch, dazzles your tastebuds with a carnival of flavors, and looks absolutely vibrant in the bowl, this Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine succulent grilled jerk chicken slices nestled atop fluffy rice and surrounded by a rainbow of juicy mango, creamy avocado, hearty black beans, golden corn, and a shower of fresh cilantro. This bowl captures the bold, zesty spirit of Caribbean cuisine Main Course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients: each one in this lineup brings its own special flair to the table, whether it’s adding texture, brightness, or signature jerk heat. Don’t be intimidated—the list is surprisingly simple, and every component pulls its weight to build the perfect Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe experience.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy, tender, and the perfect protein canvas for that irresistible jerk marinade.
Jerk seasoning: The heart and soul of this dish, delivering all those spicy, aromatic, and smoky notes.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the chicken while keeping it moist during grilling.
Cooked rice (white, brown, or coconut): The starchy foundation that soaks up all the juices and flavor—coconut rice adds a subtle tropical twist!
Black beans: Hearty, filling, and an excellent plant-based protein source to balance the dish.
Corn kernels: Sweet pops of color and crunch to contrast the spicy chicken.
Diced mango: The ultimate juicy-sweet accent that cools down the heat and brightens up every bite.
Avocado: Creamy slices that add richness and smoothness to each forkful.
Chopped red onion: A little bite and some vibrant color to keep things exciting.
Fresh cilantro: Herbaceous freshness that helps tie all the flavors together.
Lime wedges: A final splash of citrus brings everything to life—don’t skip it!

How to Make Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your chicken thighs or breasts with the jerk seasoning and a splash of olive oil until every nook and cranny is coated. Cover and let it soak up those flavors in the fridge for at least half an hour—or better yet, leave it overnight if you have the time. This is where all that magical Caribbean heat and spice infuse the chicken, setting the stage for the rest of the bowl.

Step 2: Grill (or Sear) the Chicken

Fire up your grill, grill pan, or even a sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully charred and cooked through (a meat thermometer hitting 165°F is your safe zone). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy, then slice or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Those charred bits are pure flavor gold!

Step 3: Prepare the Bowl Base

Scoop your cooked rice into individual bowls, giving yourself a generous bed for all those colorful toppings. This is your blank canvas for the best Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe imaginable, so make sure the rice is hot and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Toppings

Top the rice with spoonfuls of black beans and corn, then tuck in juicy mango chunks, slices of creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of red onion. Arrange your grilled jerk chicken on top—either in neat rows or scattered farmhouse-style for rustic charm.

Step 5: Finish with Garnishes

Shower the bowls with fresh chopped cilantro and tuck a couple of lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime over everything just before eating—the acidity elevates and unites every single flavor in the bowl. Now, dig in and let your tastebuds do a happy dance!

How to Serve Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

This bowl is practically begging for personal touches! The classic combination is a dusting of chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges squeezed over the top. If you love even more heat, try a drizzle of extra jerk sauce or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. You can add sliced jalapeños for a little kick, or scatter toasted coconut flakes for a tropical surprise.

Side Dishes

Pair your Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe with simple, refreshing sides like a green salad with citrus vinaigrette or grilled pineapple slices. You might also enjoy crispy plantain chips for crunch or a generous spoonful of tropical fruit salsa. These extras add a festive touch while keeping the meal light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Layer all the toppings in beautiful, Instagram-worthy rows or let everyone customize their own bowl buffet-style. For entertaining, serve in large platters and let guests build their own masterpiece. Mini bowls make a wonderful appetizer at parties, while big, meal-size servings are perfect for family nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your bowls fresh and delicious, store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The rice, chicken, beans, and toppings will all hold up for up to three days. Just wait to slice the avocado and add fresh garnishes until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

The chicken, rice, beans, and corn freeze beautifully for quick, satisfying meals another time. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like mango, avocado, and cilantro, as their textures won’t survive the deep chill.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken, rice, beans, and corn in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot. For the freshest flavor, add the cold toppings and garnishes after reheating. A squeeze of fresh lime helps liven up the bowl and bring back just-made zestiness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning, or should I make my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought jerk seasoning works beautifully in this recipe and saves time. If you want to customize the heat and spice to your taste, making your own at home is also fun and lets you experiment with different flavors.

What type of rice is best for this Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe?

Any kind of cooked rice will work—white, brown, or jasmine. For a subtle coconut aroma and a little extra indulgence, try coconut rice. It adds an authentic island touch to the bowl!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe actually lends itself perfectly to meal prepping. Store each component separately and assemble just before eating for freshest results. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can I swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp?

Yes, it’s easy to adapt! Firm tofu cubes or large shrimp can be marinated in jerk seasoning and cooked just like the chicken. It’s a great way to keep things vegetarian or add some seafood flair.

How spicy is this bowl?

The heat level depends on your jerk seasoning. Some blends are mild, while others are truly fiery. If you prefer less spice, look for a mild seasoning or use less of it—and balance things out with extra mango and avocado.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe enough for those nights when you want to treat yourself to bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s colorful, wholesome, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring a little Caribbean sunshine to your table. Give it a try and see how much fun dinner can be—don’t forget to share with your favorite people!

Jerk Chicken Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean with this flavorful and satisfying Jerk Chicken Bowl recipe. Tender jerk-seasoned chicken is paired with a medley of rice, beans, corn, mango, avocado, and fresh herbs, creating a vibrant and nutritious meal in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Bowl:

1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or coconut rice)
1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup diced mango
1/2 avocado (sliced)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Rub the chicken with jerk seasoning and olive oil, coating evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Cook the Chicken: Grill or cook the chicken until done. Rest, then slice or chop.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among bowls. Top with beans, corn, mango, avocado, red onion, and chicken. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.