If you’re craving a dish bursting with vibrant Caribbean flavors and a fresh, tangy kick, you’re going to love this Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe. It brilliantly marries the smoky, spicy warmth of jerk-seasoned chicken with the bright, sweet zest of mango salsa, all wrapped up in a comforting, soft flour tortilla. This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a joyful flavor fiesta that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you want to transport yourself to a sunny, tropical island without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to making this Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe so irresistible lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes every bite a little celebration.
- 2 chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that absorbs all the vibrant spices beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning: The heart and soul of the dish, delivering authentic Caribbean spice and smokiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps it juicy during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances richness without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky sweetness complementing the jerk seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: A fragrant herb that adds earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon allspice: A classic Caribbean staple that adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Gives a surprising hint of sweetness balancing the heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Rounds out the spice blend with aromatic softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For that lively, spicy punch.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds a comforting, fluffy texture that soaks up the juices.
- 1 cup black beans: Packs protein and creaminess, with a mild earthiness.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, savory goodness that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Cool and tangy, balancing the heat and spices.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the mango salsa with a zingy citrus note.
- 1 ripe mango, diced: Sweet tropical fruit that adds a juicy pop in every bite.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a sharp, pungent contrast.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbaceous notes that lift the salsa.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon honey: Balances the tartness in the salsa with gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil: Adds a silky texture to the salsa’s ingredients.
- 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped: Just enough heat to keep things lively without overwhelming.
How to Make Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Chicken
Start by heating your grill or skillet to medium-high. This temperature will give you that perfect sear on the chicken breasts. Rub them with olive oil so the jerk seasoning and spices stick beautifully and keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Generously coat the chicken with jerk seasoning along with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until its internal temperature hits 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin, juicy strips—the magic of this Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe is all about that tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Mango Salsa
While the chicken is resting, mix your diced mango, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, finely chopped jalapeño, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This salsa is the bright, sweet, and spicy partner the jerk chicken deserves—fresh and bursting with contrast.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Give your flour tortillas a quick warm-up in a skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. This makes them pliable and ready to wrap all the delicious fillings without tearing.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
Lay out each tortilla and start layering your components: a bed of fluffy cooked rice, a scoop of black beans, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, the juicy jerk chicken strips, a generous spoonful of mango salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. This lineup ensures every bite is a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness.
Step 6: Roll and Serve
Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll it up tightly so none of the goodness spills out. Serve these beauties with extra mango salsa on the side for dipping. Trust me, you’re about to have your new favorite meal!
How to Serve Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Add a bit of extra flair by garnishing your burritos with extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, or even a wedge of lime for a fresh squeeze of juice. These small touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making your plate feel as festive as the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these burritos with simple yet complementary sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, grilled corn on the cob dusted with chili powder, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These sides bring crunchy, cooling textures that balance the hearty, spicy burritos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the burritos into pinwheel-style rounds to serve as party appetizers or stack them wrapped in parchment paper for a portable picnic treat. You can also try serving the components deconstructed for a vibrant burrito bowl experience that lets everyone customize their own bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the mango salsa chilled and the tortillas wrapped to maintain freshness.
Freezing
The cooked jerk chicken and cooked rice freeze well individually. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, prepare and freeze burritos without the fresh mango salsa or sour cream to prevent sogginess upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. For burritos, wrap them in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add fresh mango salsa and sour cream only after reheating to keep their vibrant texture and flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made jerk seasoning for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made jerk seasoning works great and saves time. Just make sure you check the ingredients to match the spice level you prefer, as some blends can be quite fiery.
What can I substitute if I don’t have mango on hand?
If mango isn’t available, try pineapple or peach for that sweet-tangy tropical vibe. Both pair beautifully with jerk spices and offer a similar juicy burst.
How spicy is this Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe?
This recipe balances bold spices with sweet and cooling elements, so it’s mildly spicy with a gentle heat from the cayenne and jalapeño. You can always adjust the amount of cayenne or jalapeño to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap jerk chicken for grilled tofu or seasoned roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. The mango salsa and beans will still make it a vibrant, satisfying meal.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can grill and slice the chicken a day ahead, prepare the salsa in advance, and assemble just before serving. Keeping components separate ensures everything stays fresh and delicious for your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe is a lively, comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe box. Its colorful ingredients and layers of flavor will make every meal feel like a special occasion. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love bite by bite!
Print
Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
A vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional burritos, these Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa combine spicy, aromatic jerk-seasoned grilled chicken with sweet, tangy mango salsa, black beans, rice, and creamy cheddar and sour cream, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Burrito Fillings
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or a skillet to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken and warming the tortillas.
- Season and Grill the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil and coat them thoroughly with the jerk seasoning mix including garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest before slicing into thin strips.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: In a small bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, finely chopped jalapeño, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside so flavors meld while you assemble the burritos.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until warm and pliable, ready for filling.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay each warm tortilla flat and evenly layer with cooked rice, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jerk chicken, a scoop of mango salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Roll the Burritos: Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling and then roll tightly from one end to the other, sealing all ingredients securely inside.
- Serve: Serve your jerk chicken burritos immediately, accompanied by extra mango salsa on the side for dipping and additional fresh flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the salsa to control the heat level according to your preference.
- The burritos can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce wraps.
- To add grilled corn as in the original step 3, you can char corn ears on the grill, remove kernels, and add them to the rice or salsa for extra texture and flavor.
