Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Black Bean Salsa

Jerk-Chicken-with-Pineapple-Black-Bean-Salsa-V1

by: Matt Zentz

I'll admit, I wasn't super excited about a new, fresh and healthy black bean salsa. However, the jerk chicken (marinated in olive oil, jerk seasoning, and some coconut aminos) and this salsa combo, create a perfectly balanced dish that was easy to make and packed full of goodness and flavor. We celebrated its glorious induction into the regular meal list and gave it high marks all around.

You're correct in noticing there are no potatoes of any kind. This was Jessica's idea, however, and not mine. She does stray from her primary sustenance every now and then.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked rice

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 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)

Jerk Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2/3 lb each)
  • 1 Tbsp jerk seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil

Directions

  • Cook the rice as directed
  • While the rice is cooking, prepare the pineapple black bean salsa. Coarsely chop the pineapple tidbits into smaller pieces, similar in size to the black beans. Place the chopped pineapple, rinsed black beans, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl.
  • Squeeze the juice of half the lime (about 1 Tbsp) over the ingredients in the bowl. Also add 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Stir the ingredients together, give it a taste, and add more salt or lime juice if needed. Any unused lime will be cut into wedges for squeezing over the chicken before serving.
  • Next, prepare the jerk chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the chicken to eliminate splatter, then gently pound the chicken breasts into an even thickness using either a rolling pin or a mallet. Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over both sides of the chicken and use your hands to rub it into the surface, making sure they're completely coated.
  • Add the cooking oil to a large skillet, or preheat your grill. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until well browned on both sides, and the chicken is completely cooked through (about 7 minutes each side). It should no longer be pink in the center and the juices should run clear. For extra safety, use an instant read meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for five minutes. After five minutes, slice the chicken into 1/2-wide strips.
  • To serve, place about a cup of cooked rice on a plate, or in your meal prep container, top with about a cup of the pineapple black bean salsa, and a few strips of the jerk chicken. Slice the remaining lime into wedges and squeeze fresh juice over the chicken just before eating.

Source

https://www.budgetbytes.com/jerk-chicken-with-pineapple-black-bean-salsa/