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| Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa |
Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this incredible Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa recipe. This dish combines the bold, spicy flavors of traditional jerk seasoning with the refreshing sweetness of tropical mango and creamy avocado, all while maintaining strict paleo dietary guidelines. Whether you're following a paleo lifestyle or simply craving an exotic, healthy meal, this Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa delivers restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table.
Why Choose Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken?
The paleo diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods that our ancestors would have consumed, making this Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa the perfect fusion of health and flavor. Traditional jerk seasoning relies on natural herbs and spices like allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, which align perfectly with paleo principles.
This recipe eliminates refined sugars and processed ingredients commonly found in commercial jerk marinades, instead using coconut aminos and fresh citrus for depth and complexity. The result is a cleaner, more nutritious version of the beloved Caribbean staple that doesn't compromise on authentic taste.
The Science Behind Jerk Seasoning
Authentic jerk seasoning originated in Jamaica, where the Maroons developed this preservation and flavoring technique using indigenous spices. The key components include allspice berries (known locally as pimento), which contain eugenol – the same compound found in cloves that provides antimicrobial properties. Scotch bonnet peppers contribute capsaicin, which not only delivers heat but also boosts metabolism and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Fresh thyme adds antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, while garlic and ginger contribute allicin and gingerol respectively – compounds known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. This makes our Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa not just delicious, but nutritionally powerful.
Nutritional Benefits of This Paleo Recipe
This Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa provides a complete nutritional profile that supports optimal health. Lean chicken provides complete protein crucial for preserving muscle mass and promoting fullness, supplying every essential amino acid required by the human body.
The mango-avocado salsa adds healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado, which support heart health and nutrient absorption. Mangoes contribute vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber, while the combination provides sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes associated with processed foods.
Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of protein, 15 grams of healthy fats, and only 12 grams of natural carbohydrates making it ideal for those following paleo, low-carb, or ketogenic lifestyles.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
Creating the perfect Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa requires specific ingredients that deliver authentic Caribbean flavors:
For the Jerk Marinade:
- 2 lbs organic chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons ground allspice
- 1 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, minced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 2 ripe avocados, cubed
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sea salt to taste
Marinating the Chicken:
Begin by combining all marinade ingredients in a bowl, creating a fragrant paste. Make shallow cuts in the chicken to help flavors absorb better, then cover completely with the jerk seasoning mixture. For optimal results, marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight marination develops even richer flavors.
Preparing the Salsa:
While the chicken marinates, prepare your mango-avocado salsa by gently combining diced mango, cubed avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Add fresh lime juice and sea salt, then refrigerate until serving. The acidity from the lime prevents browning while enhancing the tropical flavors.
Cooking to Perfection:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Grill the seasoned chicken 6-8 minutes each side, confirming it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The outside should form a golden, crispy coating while keeping the meat moist and flavorful throughout.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve your Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa over cauliflower rice or alongside grilled vegetables for a complete paleo meal. The cooling salsa perfectly balances the spicy heat from the jerk seasoning, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
For meal prep enthusiasts, this recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for weekly meal planning. The flavors actually improve over time as the spices continue to meld.
Conclusion
This Paleo Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Mango-Avocado Salsa proves that healthy eating doesn't require sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. By using traditional Caribbean spices and fresh, whole ingredients, you create a restaurant-quality dish that nourishes your body while delighting your palate. This blend of high-protein poultry, healthful seasonings, and vitamin-packed exotic fruits creates an exceptional choice for your paleo menu planning.
Try this recipe today and experience how the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean can transform your healthy eating journey into a delicious adventure.
