Dive into a tropical paradise with our Jerk Chicken Buddha Bowl topped with vibrant Mango Salsa! This delightful dish not only tantalizes your taste buds with the bold flavors of Caribbean jerk seasoning but also offers a refreshing burst of sweetness from the mango salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, this recipe is packed with nutrition and flavor, making it an irresistible choice for health-conscious food lovers. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s explore how to create this mouthwatering bowl that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and generously coating them with jerk seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken breasts for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Mix gently and set aside.
- If not already prepared, cook quinoa according to package instructions. Typically, this involves rinsing quinoa, combining with water in a 1:2 ratio, and simmering for 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Once chicken is cooked, let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice against the grain into thin strips.
- Assemble the Buddha bowl by placing cooked quinoa as the base, arranging sliced jerk chicken on top, and generously spooning mango salsa over the chicken.
- Garnish with additional cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in jerk seasoning for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to customize the mango salsa by adding diced jalapeños for a kick or swapping in other fruits like pineapple or avocado for a unique twist.
- Cook Quinoa in Broth: For added flavor, cook the quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. This simple change can enhance the overall taste of your Buddha bowl.
- Serve Fresh: Assemble your Buddha bowl right before serving to keep the quinoa fluffy and the salsa fresh. This way, every bite is bursting with flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
