Easy Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa: The Perfect Sweet & Spicy Grilled Dinner for Father’s Day

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this quick Jerk Chicken recipe, perfectly balanced by a refreshing Pineapple Salsa. And for a truly unforgettable Father’s Day, cool things down with Cold Stone Creamery’s decadent Tall, Dark & Delicious ice cream cake!

This post is sponsored by Cold Stone Creamery

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re like me, finding the perfect gift for Dad can be a delightful challenge. My own father has accumulated just about everything he needs, making gift-giving a tricky endeavor. A good bottle of his favorite wine often seems like the easiest, albeit sometimes uninspired, solution. But for my husband, the story is a bit different. Our schedules have been incredibly hectic lately, leaving little time to plan. Despite the days ticking by, I haven’t quite landed on the perfect present yet. However, there’s one thing I know for sure he’ll be receiving – and absolutely loving – for dessert: the magnificent Tall, Dark, & Delicious ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery!

Beyond gifts, what truly makes Father’s Day special is spending quality time and enjoying a fantastic meal together. This year, I’m planning a flavorful feast that combines the bold spices of the Caribbean with a refreshing, fruity twist, followed by an epic dessert that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Imagine juicy, tender Jerk Chicken, sizzling hot off the grill, topped with a vibrant, cooling Pineapple Salsa. It’s a meal that’s both exciting and surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for celebrating Dad without spending all day in the kitchen.

Spicy & Sweet Perfection: Quick Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Do you remember the Grilled Pineapple Salsa I shared recently? Get ready, because that incredible salsa is the star topping for this sensational Jerk Chicken! The fiery, aromatic flavors of traditional Jerk seasoning are utterly captivating, but when paired with the sweet and tangy notes of fresh pineapple salsa, the combination becomes pure magic. The salsa acts as a wonderful counterpoint, softening the heat just enough to create a beautifully balanced taste experience that will have everyone reaching for more. This dish is not just delicious; it’s an adventure for your taste buds.

What makes this particular Jerk Chicken recipe stand out is its speed and simplicity. While many authentic Jerk recipes call for hours, or even overnight, marinating to achieve deep flavor, our version delivers an incredible punch in just one hour. This means you can decide to make this flavorful grilled chicken recipe on a whim and still have it ready for dinner tonight. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, but special enough for a celebration like Father’s Day. Imagine the succulent, spice-rubbed chicken grilled to perfection, boasting crispy edges and tender, juicy meat within. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the dinner table!

Jerk seasoning is famous for its complex blend of spices, usually including allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero for a similar kick), ginger, and garlic. Our quick marinade captures these essential flavors, infusing the chicken with that signature Caribbean zest. The combination of savory, spicy, and a hint of sweetness creates an irresistible profile that pairs impeccably with the bright, tropical flavors of pineapple. Grilling adds a smoky char that enhances the entire dish, making it a true outdoor cooking delight.

The Perfect Dessert Pairing: Cold Stone Creamery’s Tall, Dark & Delicious Cake

After enjoying the tantalizing heat of the grilled Jerk Chicken, what better way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth than with a truly exceptional dessert? This is where Cold Stone Creamery’s Tall, Dark & Delicious cake steps in to save the day (and Father’s Day!). This isn’t just any ice cream cake; it’s a masterpiece of rich, creamy, and chocolaty goodness designed to impress. Available for a limited time, specifically for Father’s Day celebrations, this cake is an absolute must-have.

Let me paint a picture of this dessert marvel: layers of moist Devil’s Food Cake, providing a rich, dark chocolate foundation. Sandwiched between these decadent cake layers are two incredible ice cream creations. First, a generous layer of Sweet Cream Ice Cream blended with chunky brownies, offering a delightful textural contrast and classic flavor. Then, another luscious layer of Chocolate Ice Cream, swirled with crushed OREO® Cookies, adding a familiar and beloved crunch. All of this is wrapped in a cloud of fluffy white frosting, culminating in a cascade of rich fudge ganache that drips invitingly down the sides. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that any dad (and frankly, anyone with a sweet tooth!) would adore.

This impressive cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for your Father’s Day gathering. Its generous size means there will be plenty to share with the whole family, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this extraordinary treat. The Tall, Dark & Delicious cake is available in stores until June 19th, so don’t delay! To ensure you get yours, I highly recommend ordering ahead of time directly from their website: https://coldstonecakes.com. Imagine finishing off a fantastic grilled meal with this cool, indulgent delight – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to make Dad feel extra special.

Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

By: Erin Sellin

A spicy and sweet grilled chicken recipe that comes together quickly, perfect for any meal.

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4

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Ingredients

1 bunch green onions, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
1 lime, juiced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, roughly chopped
1 1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 bay leaves, crumbled
1 small habanero pepper, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Topping

Pineapple Salsa (Recipe Link)

Instructions

In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients for the marinade (green onions, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, fresh ginger, allspice, black pepper, crushed garlic, bay leaves, habanero pepper). Process until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the marinade into a zip-top plastic bag. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and gently massage to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding any remaining marinade).
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately, topped generously with the fresh Pineapple Salsa. Enjoy this burst of flavor!

Notes

Recipe Adapted from Cooking Light. For a milder spice, reduce the amount of habanero or omit it entirely.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 283

Like this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and a star rating below to share your experience with this delicious Jerk Chicken and Pineapple Salsa recipe!

**This post is sponsored by Cold Stone Creamery. I was compensated for my time to write this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.