Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa
Meal Prep Idea: Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa
This Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa meal prep recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and ideal for batch cooking. Follow these time-saving tips and storage suggestions to get the most out of your meal prep.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Olive Oil: For marinating
- Jerk Seasoning: For quick flavor
- Brown Sugar: To balance out the heat
- Garlic: Minced
Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for spice)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice & salt for seasoning
Time-Saving Tips
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Batch Cook Chicken: Marinate the chicken in bulk with olive oil, salt, brown sugar, jerk seasoning, and minced garlic. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more flavor.
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Prepare Salsa in Advance: Chop the ingredients for the mango avocado salsa while the chicken marinates. Store them in a bowl and add lime juice just before serving to prevent browning.
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Grill Multiple Portions: If you have a grill or grill pan, cook all the chicken at once. This way, you have ready-made meals for several days.
- Use Pre-Made Jerk Seasoning: Save time by using a good quality pre-made jerk seasoning, eliminating the need to mix individual spices.
Cooking Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, brown sugar, jerk seasoning, and garlic. Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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Make the Salsa: In a separate bowl, combine mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Set the salsa aside in the refrigerator.
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Portion for Meal Prep: Divide grilled chicken and scoop salsa into meal prep containers.
Storage Options
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Refrigeration: Store grilled jerk chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Salsa is best fresh but can last up to 2 days if stored properly.
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Freezing: Freeze any extra chicken portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm up the chicken in the microwave or stovetop. Serve with cold salsa for a refreshing contrast.
With these tips, your Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa will be a delicious, hassle-free meal prep option that keeps well throughout the week! Enjoy your flavorful, healthy meals!