I want you to sit back and think of beautiful blue oceans, white beaches and chilling in the shade. Why? Because today I'm taking you to Jamaica baby, with my Jerk Chicken Bowl!
Well, I'm not taking you to Jamaica literally - but we're going to do the next best thing and I've enlisted the help of my neighbors at Valley Fig Growers to help me!
And I'm super excited to share this new recipe with you!
Because this is one of my recipes you know it's super easy and incredibly delicious with BIG flavor! Let me introduce (drumroll please!) Jerk Chicken Bowl with California Fig Salsa! Ta-da!!! 😎
If you've never had traditional "jerk" flavors, here's what to expect. Jerk Flavor is a mixture of smokey heat and sweetness. The heat comes from scotch bonnet peppers.
These peppers are insanely hot, so a little goes a long ways. They have a fruity, unique flavor. The sweetness comes from the Fig Spread. It's a perfect combination and together makes an easy marinade for the jerk chicken.
Can't find scotch bonnet peppers? You can substitute with habanero or Thai chili peppers. These peppers are HOT - protect your hands and do not touch your eyes. Be SURE to wash your hands immediately after handling them!
For this recipe I used chicken thighs, but if you prefer white meat, switch it out and use your favorite. The salsa has California Figs, mango and Fresno chilies. It mimics the flavors of the marinade with hints of warm spices.
Big flavor? Yes! But don't worry, it's not too hot. (If you like bigger heat - just toss in an extra pepper or two!)
Related recipes
- Rotisserie Chicken Burrito Recipe - tons of flavor in this easy meal!
- Homemade sauce makes all the difference in this recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Bowl!
- This Southwest Chicken Salad is filled with crunch and super easy to make!
Since you've gotten this far that means you like big flavor like I do, so let me suggest a couple more recipes!
- First up Ja Makin' Me Crazy Mango Jam - using mangos and a touch of raspberries, this jam combines making a serene color transporting you to a tranquil Caribbean sunset!
- Not in a bowl, but I can tell these bites really pack in the flavor - Cuban Sliders! Perfect for tailgating or any gathering they have big flavor and are easy make ahead dish! Cuban Sliders are definitely a family favorite!
- Be sure to try this simple fried apples recipe - this super easy side dish is done in only 15 minutes and it's better than your favorite restaurant!
p.s. Got leftover salsa? Stir it into Greek Yogurt for an delicious satisfying breakfast or snack!
Jerk Chicken Bowl with California Fig Salsa
Ingredients
- 6-8 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 1 cup Orchard Choice California Fig Spread
- 3 green onions roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper stem removed, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Roughly chop the green onions and mince the garlic. Add to a blender or food processor.
- Remove the stem from the pepper and the seeds and membranes, but be careful handling the pepper. Touching the pepper/touching your eyes will burn! Roughly chop the pepper, add it to the blender.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients to the blender with the exception of the chicken. Blend until smooth and all ingredients are combined. Pour into a ziplock bag. Add the chicken thighs. Marinade for 3-4 hour or overnight.
- When you are ready to grill, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Allow to come to room temperature before grilling.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Grill until cooked thru and juices run clear. Dice into bite sized pieces. Serve topped with California Fig Salsa over rice. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Love this recipe? Join the free membership group!
California Fig Salsa
Ingredients
- ½ cup California Figs stems removed, chopped
- ¾ cup mango diced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- 2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 red jalepeno pepper seeded, membrane removed, diced
- 1 lime zested and juiced
Instructions
- Dice the figs and the mango. Thinly slice the green onions. Zest and juice the lime. Remove the stem from the pepper, seeds and membrane - dice.
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly. Top over jerk chicken bowl and enjoy!
Erica Schwarz says
I just saw figs in the weekly flyer for my store, and they look so good but I never know what to do with them. Now I do - this looks incredible.
Bowl Me Over says
You'll love this Erica, it's really one of our favorite meals and so easy too! Get figgy with it! 😀
Kavey Favelle says
That jerk chicken looks ace but it's the fruity salsa that's really making it sing for me, loving the look of the whole dish!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Kavey! We've so enjoyed this meal, I hope you give it a try!
Aunt Bee says
I LOVE jerk chicken! What an awesome idea!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Aunt Bee!!!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I love the buddha bowl trend way more than the smoothie bowl trend and this is top of the list! What a great use of figs!!
Bowl Me Over says
I know right? For me most things have always been in a bowl, so this meal is right up my alley! 😀 Just love those delicious California Figs!
Lisa@Lisa's Dinnertime Dish says
This bowl is gorgeous and I love the sweet and spicy flavor combo that's going on!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Lisa!
Angela says
Im a pretty huge fan of figs and this dish sounds so full of flavor and unique combinations! I have no doubt it is perfection!
Bowl Me Over says
Then you will love this Angela - this meal is all about the figs!!!
Justine says
What a stunning dish and the fig salsa is genius!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Justine - the salsa is AMAZING!!!
Michelle says
I'm loving this recipe!! And your photos look mouthwatering good!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks so much Michelle - we just love this meal!!
Michaela Kenkel says
Jamaica is my FAVORITE place on earth!! This looks so delicious!!
Bowl Me Over says
It's such a delicious recipe - thank you Micheala!!!
Julie says
I love figs and this spread makes it so easy to use it in my recipes. I love everything about this recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
That fig spread is just delicious! We love it spread on toast in the morning, YUM!!!
Ashley - Forking Up says
I don't know that I've ever had jerk chicken--this looks great!
Bowl Me Over says
If you haven't you should definitely give it a try Ashley - big flavors and so delish!!
Lois says
This just looks so delicious. A perfect meal. Love the flavors.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much, it's really a yummy meal!!
debi at Life Currents says
I saw this recipe on Facebook, and thought it looked so flavorful and amazing! What a great job. My husband loves Jerk foods, so I know he'll go for this one!
Bowl Me Over says
I'm so happy you stopped by to check it out Debi! It's really one of our new favorites. I love how easy it is but all of that big flavor, LOVE IT!! I hope you do too!
Brian Jones says
Oh wow I love that fig salsa, gotta find a way to replicate that.
Bowl Me Over says
You'll just need some dried figs & mangos - bet you can find them in your area!
Jane says
Oh my! My mouth LITERALLY started watering as I read the title of this recipe! How's that for the power of the mind?!
Gorgeous recipe, I'm looking forward to trying it 🙂
Jane x
Bowl Me Over says
Pretty good huh?!! 😀 I hope you do give it a try Jane, it's such a great recipe with delicious ingredients! I love this bowl!!
Ginny McMeans says
First of all I love the flavors of jerk sauce and then you come up with Fig Salsa. It sounds so delicious with mango and those spices!
Bowl Me Over says
Great combination Ginny! Such yummy flavors, enjoy!
Christine says
Oh, that fig spread is calling my name! Love how you use it in this recipe.
Bowl Me Over says
The fig spread is SO GOOD!! I love jams & jellies and usually make my own. Their version is incredible. That on a toasted bagel in the morning? Perfection!
Manju | Cooking Curries says
That is such a delicious looking bowl, especially that fig salsa!!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Manju - it's soooo yummy! I hope you give it a try!!
Liza says
Mmmmm! Give me a fork! I just want to dig in right into that photo on the screen! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Love this recipe! Not only I love everything fig, I also love all sorts of sweet-and-sour tasting dishes. I'd never think of adding figs to the chicken, but it just makes so much sense! Genious! Thanks, Debra!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Liza!!! It really is a wonderful recipe - I just love figs and they are the perfect with this easy meal - love the big flavors and spice too, yum!!!