If you crave vibrant flavors and a burst of sunshine in every bite, you will absolutely love this Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe. It’s a wonderful fusion of spicy, smoky jerk-seasoned chicken and fresh, sweet mango salsa all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Every ingredient plays a role, from the tender grilled chicken to the creamy sour cream, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that feels both exotic and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, these burritos bring bold Caribbean flair that’s utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these ingredients together is easy and rewarding because each one adds something special to your Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe. From spices that bring warmth and depth to the fresh mango salsa that provides a sweet tang, every element balances the others perfectly.
- Chicken breasts: The hearty protein base that soaks up all those lively spices beautifully.
- Jerk seasoning: This complex blend delivers smoky heat and fragrant spices essential to authentic Caribbean flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken stay juicy and adds a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: Brings savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a delicious smoky aroma complementing the jerk spice.
- Thyme: Earthy and herbal, balanced perfectly with the heat.
- Allspice: Offers a warm, slightly sweet undertone typical of Caribbean cooking.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Provide surprising warmth and subtle sweetness that tie the flavors together.
- Cayenne pepper: Kicks up the heat that makes jerk chicken famously fiery.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and roomy wraps that hold all your delicious fillings just right.
- Cooked rice: Adds satisfying texture and helps soak up all the juices.
- Black beans: Bring creaminess and a boost of fiber and protein.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts lightly adding a subtle, creamy sharpness.
- Sour cream: Cool and tangy, it balances the spice beautifully.
- Lime juice: Brightens the mango salsa with refreshing acidity.
- Ripe mango: The star of the salsa, it adds juicy sweetness that contrasts with the spice.
- Red onion: Provides crisp bite and color contrast.
- Cilantro: Adds vibrant herbal freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning all components perfectly.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness in the salsa to balance flavors.
- Jalapeño: Adds an extra kick of heat to the mango salsa.
How to Make Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill or Skillet
Start by heating your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. This ensures a perfect sear on the chicken, locking in those amazing flavors while cooking it through to juicy perfection.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with a tablespoon of olive oil. This not only helps the seasoning adhere but also keeps the chicken moist and tender while cooking.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Generously sprinkle jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper over both sides of the chicken. These spices create the signature jerk flavor that’s smoky, spicy, and so aromatic.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). This step ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy every time.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Slice
Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each slice tender and flavorful. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips, ready for filling your burritos.
Step 6: Make the Mango Salsa
In a bowl, combine diced mango, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to create a beautifully bright, sweet, and spicy salsa that will take your burritos to the next level.
Step 7: Warm the Tortillas
Heat the flour tortillas on your grill or in a dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until they’re warm and pliable. Warm tortillas are key to wrapping all your delicious ingredients without cracking or tearing.
Step 8: Assemble Your Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat and layer the fillings carefully: start with 1/4 cup of cooked rice, then add 1/4 cup black beans, followed by 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese. Top with sliced jerk chicken, a generous spoonful of mango salsa, and finish with a drizzle of sour cream. Fold in the sides and roll it tightly to seal in all that goodness.
Step 9: Repeat and Serve
Repeat the assembly with remaining tortillas and ingredients. Serve the burritos immediately with extra mango salsa on the side for an added burst of flavor.
How to Serve Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over your burritos to add a burst of freshness and visual appeal. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add a zesty twist to their meal, enhancing the complex flavors of the jerk chicken and mango salsa.
Side Dishes
For a full Caribbean-inspired meal, serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A chilled coleslaw made with lime and cabbage also pairs beautifully, balancing warmth and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the burritos in half diagonally to reveal their colorful layers — it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Serve them on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates for a vibrant, inviting presentation that sets the mood for a festive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled burritos by individually wrapping each one in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the burrito and warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method keeps the tortilla crisp on the outside and warms the filling evenly without making it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the right temperature.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted sweet potatoes and keep all the other ingredients the same. The spices and mango salsa still pack an incredible punch.
How spicy is this Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted to your taste by moderating the cayenne pepper in the seasoning and the amount of jalapeño in the salsa. It has a pleasant heat that’s balanced by the mango salsa and sour cream.
Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Definitely! The mango salsa can be prepped up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and the mango firm.
What’s the best way to warm the tortillas without drying them out?
Warming tortillas on a dry skillet or grill for a minute or two is perfect. If you’re warming several at once, wrap them in a damp kitchen towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds to keep them soft and pliable.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe soon because it truly brings a delightful whirlwind of flavors to your table. It’s the kind of meal that cheers you up, impresses guests, and satisfies any craving for something fresh, spicy, and fun. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
These Jerk Chicken Burritos with Mango Salsa bring a vibrant fusion of Caribbean spices and fresh, tangy flavors wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Juicy jerk-seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with a sweet and spicy mango salsa, black beans, rice, and melted cheddar cheese to create a satisfying and colorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
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
Rice and Beans
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans
Cheese and Wrap
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 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 salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
- Coat Chicken with Oil: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil thoroughly on both sides to help the seasoning stick and promote even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken using jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper to infuse bold Caribbean flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill or skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are cooked through.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices before slicing it into thin strips for the burritos.
- Prepare Mango Salsa: In a small bowl, combine diced mango, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, honey, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix and develop vibrant, fresh salsa flavor.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until they are soft, pliable, and easy to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Burritos – Add Rice: Lay a warmed tortilla flat and spoon 1/4 cup of cooked rice into the center as the base layer.
- Add Black Beans: Layer 1/4 cup of black beans on top of the rice for fiber and heartiness.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese over the beans to add creamy texture and flavor.
- Add Sliced Chicken: Top the cheese with a generous portion of sliced jerk chicken strips, adding the star spicy protein.
- Add Mango Salsa: Spoon a generous amount of mango salsa over the chicken for fresh, sweet, and spicy contrast.
- Add Sour Cream: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sour cream on top of the salsa to add cool creaminess that balances the heat.
- Roll the Burrito: Carefully fold in the tortilla sides and roll tightly from one end to the other to encase all fillings neatly inside.
- Repeat: Repeat the assembly with remaining tortillas and ingredients to make a total of four burritos.
- Serve: Serve the jerk chicken burritos hot with any extra mango salsa on the side for dipping and added zest.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño to control heat according to your spice preference.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Leftover chicken burritos can be stored wrapped in foil and reheated in an oven or skillet to keep the tortilla crisp.
