**Effortless Summer Meal: Grilled Jerk Chicken Accompanied by Mango Avocado Salsa**
Summer is an ideal season to relish light, tasty dishes that require little effort to prepare. One such recipe that embodies the spirit of summer is Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa. This colorful dish fuses the piquant, fragrant notes of jerk seasoning with the invigorating, tropical flavors of mango and avocado, crafting a delightful contrast that will undoubtedly astonish your family and friends.
**Ingredients:**
*For the Jerk Chicken:*
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (either store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
*For the Mango Avocado Salsa:*
– 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
– 1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– In a small bowl, mix the jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Combine thoroughly to create a marinade.
– Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
2. **Make the Salsa:**
– In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
– Pour in the lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Let it sit to allow the flavors to enhance while grilling the chicken.
3. **Grill the Chicken:**
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
– Take the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
– After cooking, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. **Serve:**
– Slice the grilled jerk chicken and arrange it on a serving platter.
– Spoon the mango avocado salsa over the chicken or serve on the side.
– Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
**Tips for Success:**
– **Jerk Seasoning:** You can opt for store-bought jerk seasoning for ease, or craft your own blend using spices like allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper for a more customized flavor.
– **Marinating Time:** For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
– **Salsa Variations:** Feel free to incorporate other elements into the salsa, such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños for a kick, or a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness.
This Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa makes for an exceptional summer dinner that is straightforward to prepare and bursting with flavor. The spicy jerk chicken harmonizes beautifully with the sweet and creamy salsa, making it a dish destined to become a favorite at your summer events. Pair this meal with coconut rice or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded and enjoyable dinner.