Ingredients
For the Rice
- 4 cups cooked rice
For the Pineapple Black Bean Salsa
- 2 cups pineapple tidbits
- 1 15oz. can black beans, well rinsed
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
- 1 lime
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
For the Jerk Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2/3 lb. each)
- 1 Tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking your rice as per your usual method. If preparing for meal prep, divide the cooked rice into containers and refrigerate as you finish the rest of the recipe, allowing it to cool.
- Prepare the Pineapple Black Bean Salsa: Coarsely chop the pineapple into pieces about the same size as the black beans. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, rinsed black beans, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Season the Salsa: Squeeze the juice of half the lime (approximately 1 tablespoon) over the salsa ingredients. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well, taste, and adjust with more salt or lime juice as needed. Reserve remaining lime cut into wedges for serving.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent splatter and pound gently with a rolling pin or mallet to an even thickness. Sprinkle jerk seasoning evenly on both sides and rub in thoroughly to coat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or preheat a grill until hot. Cook the chicken for about 7 minutes on each side until well browned and cooked through. Chicken should no longer be pink inside and juices run clear; internal temperature should reach 165ºF for safety.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and let rest for five minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
- Assemble and Serve: On each plate or meal prep container, place about 1 cup of cooked rice, top with 1 cup of pineapple black bean salsa, and add several strips of jerk chicken. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken just before eating for a bright finish.
Notes
- You can prepare the rice and salsa ahead of time to speed up meal prep.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the salsa according to your spice tolerance.
- Using an instant-read thermometer ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in jerk seasoning for up to an hour before cooking.
- Serve with additional lime wedges on the side for extra citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
