Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is packed with irresistible flavors for several reasons:
- Bold, Smoky Chicken – The jerk seasoning imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken, perfectly complemented by the warming spices and heat from cayenne pepper.
- Sweet and Zesty Mango Salsa – The mango salsa brings a refreshing sweetness and tang, balancing the heat from the chicken with bright, juicy fruit and a little kick from the jalapeño.
- Customizable – The ingredients are easily adjustable based on your preferences. Make it spicier with extra jalapeño or mellow it out with less jerk seasoning.
- Hearty and Filling – With rice, black beans, and cheese inside, these burritos are packed with flavor and make for a satisfying meal.
- Fresh and Light – The freshness of cilantro, lime juice, and mango in the salsa makes each bite light and refreshing, while the creamy sour cream adds a luscious touch.
Ingredients
To make Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Jerk Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the chicken with jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill or skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 2: Make the Mango Salsa
- Prepare the Salsa: In a small bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes, or until soft and pliable.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
- Build the Burritos: To assemble each burrito, place a tortilla on a flat surface.
- Layer 1/4 cup of cooked rice in the center of each tortilla.
- Add 1/4 cup of black beans on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese over the beans.
- Top with the sliced jerk chicken.
- Add a generous spoonful of mango salsa over the chicken.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sour cream on top of the salsa.
- Roll the Burrito: Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly, sealing the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Serve the burritos with any extra mango salsa on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or jalapeño to the mango salsa if you like it spicier.
- Milder Flavor: For a milder burrito, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or opt for a mild jerk sauce.
- Healthier Twist: Substitute the rice with quinoa for a healthier, gluten-free option.
- Protein Variations: You can use grilled shrimp, beef, or even grilled veggies in place of chicken for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the burritos in a skillet or microwave. For best results, wrap them in foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought jerk seasoning. Just be sure to choose one that fits your desired spice level.
2. Can I make the burritos ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the burritos right before serving to avoid sogginess, especially with the mango salsa.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and sour cream substitutes to make the burritos completely dairy-free.
4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cotija or cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
5. How do I make the burritos spicier?
Add more jalapeños to the mango salsa or increase the cayenne pepper in the jerk seasoning to bring more heat to the dish.
6. Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Yes, the mango salsa can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.
7. Can I freeze these burritos?
Yes, you can freeze the burritos before adding the sour cream and salsa. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
8. Can I use tortillas other than flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat tortillas, corn tortillas, or even lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
9. Can I add more vegetables to the burritos?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, lettuce, or tomatoes for added crunch and flavor.
10. Can I use cooked chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken. Just season it with the jerk spices and reheat before assembling the burritos.
Conclusion
Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa offer a bold, vibrant combination of smoky chicken, sweet mango salsa, and creamy ingredients all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors with a bit of heat. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a quick meal, these burritos are sure to impress with their delicious fusion of flavors!
Print
Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa: A Fiesta of Bold Flavors
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa combine smoky, spicy jerk chicken, tangy lime, and refreshing mango salsa in a soft tortilla for a perfect balance of bold flavors. A satisfying, vibrant meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup black beans
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 ripe mango, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, season with jerk seasoning and spices. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest, then slice into thin strips.
- Grill corn for 8-10 minutes, turning until lightly charred. Remove kernels from the cob.
- In a small bowl, combine mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, and black pepper to make salsa. Set aside.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the burritos: Add rice, black beans, cheddar, jerk chicken, mango salsa, and sour cream on each tortilla.
- Roll up burritos, sealing sides and wrapping tightly.
- Serve with extra mango salsa on the side and enjoy!
Notes
For added spice, increase the cayenne or add jalapeños to the salsa.
Use grilled shrimp or beef as an alternative to chicken for variety.
Can be made dairy-free by using vegan cheese and sour cream substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling and Assembling
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
