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Meet my latest go-to dinner: 20 minute grilled jerk chicken…with fruity salsa!

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

Typical right? Like what don’t I put fruit on? But it’s cool because jerk chicken and mango salsa just go hand in hand. It’s the bestest combo, especially with sweet summer nectarines thrown on there too. <–for real.

Ok, but guys? Real life talk for a second? I have been in such positive modes of thinking these last couple weeks. I honestly think a lot of it has had to do with these long, sunny, and warm days. I love them so much. Just like the plentiful days of sunshine we have been having lately, I have been on a role with my positivity, and loving it! Buuuttttt, then Tuesday happened and well…it was just a bad day. Nothing was going right, I started and stopped a grand total of five recipes and just didn’t get my to-do list checked off.

UGH.

They happen right? As I sit here typing this it’s almost 10 pm. I just got off the phone with my mom, whom I called to vent to. No need to get into details, but basically, I just had a down on myself kind of day and really needed a good mom pep talk. We’ve all been there, right? It had been a while for me since I really even chatted with mom (I mean, about things other than work that is), so it was really just what I needed.

And can I just say, I feel so much better. Why is it that moms always know what to say?

Anyway, I know this is totally random, but I just thought I’d share! I feel like some of you may be able to identify with me. If that’s the case, and you too are having a difficult week, I recommend calling up your mom, or whoever it is in the world that always takes you back to a happy place. Call them, chat, and then realize that it is indeed Thursday, which means that the weekend is near.

Yesss. yessss. YESSS.

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

So yes, Friday is almost here, but maybe ever more exciting is the fact that we have this jerk chicken to talk about. This jerk chicken that takes maybe twenty minutes to make, and is paired with the most delicious, summery salsa ever.

Also, how many times do you guys think I will make fruit salsa this summer? Starting the count today…

One of my major summer food goals is to provide you guys with quick cooking recipes that use minimal ingredients, yet still use real food and are mouth wateringly good. Not going to lie, it’s a bit of a challenge, but one that I am loving taking on.

This chicken is nothing short of awesome. It’s fast, healthy, uses in-season produce, and it’s just really freaking good! The chicken is seasoned with jerk seasoning (I like to make my own using lots of smoked paprika, cayenne, tons of fresh thyme and a pinch of cinnamon), a drizzle of honey, and olive oil. Throw it on grill and done. Really pretty simple stuff, but be sure not to skip the extra drizzle of honey on the chicken. It balances the heat and creates a deep, golden caramelization on the chicken that is to die for.

I paired the spicy chicken with a sweet salsa. The combo of mangos and nectarines is truly delicious. I also used a mix of cilantro and basil to give the salsa a fun hint of fresh herbs.

To complete the meal, I made a big pot of coconut rice, sprinkled over some black beans and served up an avocado on the side for some healthy fats.

YUMMM.

Dinner in twenty never tasted so fresh and so good.

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

I am highly recommending this meal for Father’s Day on Sunday. My dad 100% inspired this meal with his love for all jerked dishes. He loves anything spicy and paired with fruit salsa (I may have created this little obsession of his…). He also says to add that the salsa makes the chicken!

If you don’t end up making this for dad on Sunday, don’t worry, tonight works too!

OKok, any night works, but just make it soon, because trust me, once you’ve made this once, you’ll be wanting it over and over. I mean, obviously.

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories Per Serving: 666 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Mango-Nectarine Salsa

  • 2 ripe nectarines, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1 fresno or jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
  • juice of 1/2 a lime
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or basil chopped

Chile Lime Butter

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 fresno chile pepper, sliced
  • zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat. Oil the grates.
    2. In a ziplock bag, combine the chicken, jerk seasoning, honey, olive oil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Grill the chicken for 5-8 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the grill. 
    3. Make the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the nectarines, mango, jalapeño, lime juice, lemon juice, and cilantro. Toss to combine.
    4. Divide the rice among bowls. Add the beans, avocado, salsa, and chicken. Drizzle the chicken with chile lime butter. Enjoy!

Chile Lime Butter

  • 1. Stir together the melted butter, chiles, lime zest, and honey. Drizzle over the warm chicken. 
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20 Minute Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango-Nectarine Salsa | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest

And with that I say, let’s get grilling…Happy Thursday!

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  1. 5 stars
    This was a huge hit. Nectarines and mangos are wonderful right now, and the honey lime butter was so amazing. I had made a big batch of homemade Jerk seasoning recently so I used that. It was just a perfect summer meal with rice and spicy black beans. Max flavor, minimal effort— love it!

    1. Hey Lucy,
      Happy Wednesday! Thanks for sharing your review and making this recipe, I am so glad it was a winner! xxTieghan

  2. There are very few recipes I try that I don’t tweak in some way. I made this last night for dinner following the recipe exactly and it was perfect! A huge thumbs up from all eight of us!! Tonight we are going to try the creamed corn pasta with fried herbs along with the leftover jerk chicken. We appreciate you! Keep on keeping on!!

  3. Had this pinned since I first saw it and finally made it tonight for my dad’s birthday… will definitely be making it again! We finished off with grilled pineapple with chocolate and coconut for dessert! (Not big on birthday cakes around here!)

  4. This was so great! I actually used cajun spices instead of jerk and it worked really well. It was great with the coconut rice!

  5. Really Great!!! Even the kids loved it, and they’re a little picky about trying different stuff. But they got no choice with me trying different style foods from around the world lol. Big hit with them, spiciness and all! For a little more heat , me & my son added the El Yucateco Carribean hot sauce, good pairing. And you know jalepenos are a hit or miss in the heat depatment, the ones i got were hot. So it was me & my son literally crying at the dinner table saying this is sooo good, LOL!

    1. This is so great!! I am so happy you and your family loved this recipe and it sounds like you guys had an awesome night! Thank you Karen!

  6. I made this for a quick weeknight dinner party on our patio and it was a huge hit! Several asked for the recipe – perfect for summer outside dinners!

  7. I made this last night and it was awesome. The salsa is great with chips, too. I’m going to try it with chicken thighs next time. Loved it❤️❤️

  8. I made this for my husband and 1 year old (no jalepenos) last night and we all loved it! I just used jerk seasoning from Sprouts and it was delicious and easy! Thanks for the great recipe. My coworkers and I are all counting down the release of your cook book!

    1. I am so glad your husband and you loved this Katie! Also so glad you’re as excited as I am for the cookbook! I can’t wait for you guys to see it! Thanks so much!

  9. Made this tonight & it was DELISH! But….cooked the chicken in a skillet on the stove top? Your jerk seasoning recipe was used as well!
    I am visiting my daughter, grandson, & son-in-law in San Antonio for a few days. She recently started a blog for new Mamas ~ http://itsokmama.com/
    It touched my heart to read how your Mom is your go-to for encouragement ? Moms need it as well & Kinsey’s blog is just the place to find it.
    Thanks for all your fabulous dishes, Tieghan, & for your honesty…

    1. Awh good for her, I’m sure her blog is amazing! I am so glad you liked this dish Kristy! Thank you!