Easy Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken Mango Avocado Sliders Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant tropics without ever leaving the comfort of your kitchen! These Jamaican Jerk Chicken Mango Avocado Sliders are a flavor explosion, bringing together the smoky heat of jerk chicken with the sweet and creamy freshness of mango and avocado. The best part? This mouthwatering shredded jerk chicken is made effortlessly in your trusty Instant Pot, piled high on perfectly toasted Hawaiian buns. Get ready for a killer game day appetizer, a fantastic party food, or simply a delightful weeknight meal that transports your senses straight to an island paradise.

My first unforgettable encounter with authentic jerk chicken wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. It happened during one of my all-time favorite blogging retreats, nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Jamaica. There I was, on a warm, sun-kissed beach, with crystal-clear blue waters gently lapping at my feet, savoring a jerk chicken sandwich. Add a few tropical drinks into the mix, and it’s practically impossible not to fall head over heels in love with such incredible food!

The complex blend of different spices, permeating the succulent, juicy chicken, was pure bliss. From that moment on, whenever I crave an escape to an island, I turn to making jerk chicken. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a sensory journey back to those sun-drenched shores and vibrant flavors.

Traditionally, preparing jerk chicken involves marinating the meat for hours, sometimes even overnight, to truly infuse it with those signature Caribbean flavors, followed by grilling. While I adore the traditional method, life often calls for a delicious shortcut. And that’s where my trusty Instant Pot comes into play!

This recipe is my ingenious bypass around the lengthy marinating and grilling times. The Instant Pot transforms what could be an hours-long endeavor into a quick and easy process, delivering incredibly flavorful, tender, and juicy jerk chicken in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot truly is one of the best kitchen tools, isn’t it? I honestly don’t go more than a day without using mine for something!

In this streamlined recipe, chicken breasts are simply combined with a vibrant homemade jerk seasoning blend and cooked for a mere 15 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot. This rapid cooking method ensures the chicken emerges incredibly flavorful, perfectly juicy, and fall-apart tender, making it ideal for shredding. Once shredded, this aromatic chicken is piled high onto sweet, toasted Hawaiian buns, forming the base of our incredible sliders.

But what truly elevates these sliders to an “over-the-top” experience is the addition of two key components: creamy, smooth avocado slices and a bright, zesty mango salsa. The richness of the avocado perfectly balances the spicy tang of the jerk chicken, while the sweet, fruity notes of the mango salsa cut through the heat, adding an irresistible freshness and textural contrast. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy.

These versatile sliders are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them up for tailgating events or game day parties to impress your crew, offer them as a fun and unique appetizer at your next gathering, or even enjoy them as a light, yet satisfying, tropical lunch. And if you happen to have any leftover chicken and salsa (a rare feat, I assure you!), they make for some absolutely killer tacos the next day!

Must-Have Equipment for This Recipe

The star equipment for this recipe is undoubtedly the Instant Pot, or any other electronic pressure cooker you own. Its ability to cook the chicken to tender perfection in just 15 minutes is what makes this a truly simple and speedy recipe, bringing those complex flavors to life without the long wait.

Beyond that, you’ll need one of your favorite mixing bowls for whisking together the homemade jerk seasoning and for preparing the vibrant mango salsa. To get those Hawaiian buns perfectly golden and soft, a baking sheet for your oven or a simple toaster will do the trick. That’s all the major equipment required to bring these delightful sliders to your table!

More Delicious Slider Recipes

If you’re a fan of bite-sized sandwiches and looking for more crowd-pleasing options, explore these other fantastic slider recipes:

• Spicy Carne Asada Torta Sliders
• Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders
• Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sliders
• Hatch Green Chile Chicken Sliders

How to Make Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sliders

Creating these flavorful sliders is a straightforward process, broken down into three simple steps that ensure maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prepare the Instant Pot Jerk Chicken

This is where the Instant Pot shines! The chicken couldn’t be easier to cook. Simply place your chicken breasts into the Instant Pot insert, sprinkle generously with the homemade jerk seasoning blend, and add the chicken stock. Seal the lid, set it to Manual Pressure on High, and let it cook for just 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Then, using two forks, shred the tender chicken directly in the pot. This not only saves you from dirtying another bowl but also allows the shredded chicken to soak up all the flavorful juices, keeping it incredibly moist and delicious.

Whip Up the Fresh Mango Salsa

While your chicken is cooking, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare the vibrant mango salsa. This refreshing topping comes together in just one bowl. Simply combine the diced fresh mango, finely chopped red onion, seeded and diced jalapeño (adjust to your preferred spice level), fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. A pinch of black pepper enhances the flavors. Give it a good stir, and you have a bright, zesty, and slightly spicy salsa that perfectly complements the rich jerk chicken. This salsa can even be made ahead of time, which makes party prep a breeze – more on that below!

Assemble and Serve Your Sliders

With your jerk chicken shredded and your mango salsa ready, it’s time to bring these sliders to life. Begin by toasting the Hawaiian buns to a light golden brown – this adds a delightful texture and prevents them from getting soggy. Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns on your serving platter. Evenly distribute the flavorful shredded jerk chicken over each bun. Next, add a generous helping of the fresh mango salsa, followed by a few slices of creamy avocado. Finally, crown each slider with the top half of the toasted bun. Serve them immediately to enjoy the best combination of warm chicken, fresh toppings, and soft buns.

What to Serve with These Tropical Chicken Sliders?

These Jamaican Jerk Chicken Mango Avocado Sliders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a full tropical-themed meal.

For a fantastic party spread or game day appetizer selection, consider serving them alongside:

• Citrus Guacamole: The bright, zesty flavors will beautifully complement the sliders.
• Guacamole Wontons: A fun, crispy twist on a classic dip.
• Spicy Lasagna Dip: For those who love a little extra heat and comfort food (especially great for game day!).

If you’re looking to transform these sliders into a more substantial meal, here are some excellent side dishes that pair perfectly:

• Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad: A fresh, smoky, and vibrant salad that echoes the tropical vibes.
• Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini: A healthy and flavorful green vegetable side.
• Spicy Garlic Cilantro Fries: A crispy, flavorful accompaniment that satisfies any craving for fries.

To truly complete your tropical party experience, don’t forget the drinks! A tangy and bold Spiced Rum Punch is an ideal adult beverage to serve alongside these flavorful sliders, enhancing the Caribbean theme.

Can You Make the Mango Salsa Ahead of Time?

Absolutely, yes! The mango salsa is actually one of those magical components that benefits from being made a few hours in advance. Allowing the salsa to sit gives the flavors time to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more harmonious and delicious topping for your sliders. You can prepare the salsa up to 3 to 4 hours ahead of time. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or cover your mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve your sliders.

For drink pairings, a refreshing Mango Mojito is the perfect cocktail companion. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a creamy and sweet Coconut Mango Lassi offers a delightful tropical beverage. And to round off your meal with a sweet and light touch, serving individual cups of homemade Mango Mousse would be a truly refreshing sweet ending!

Tips for Perfect Jerk Chicken Sliders

• Choose Ripe Mangoes: For the best salsa, select mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. Unripe mangoes will lack the necessary sweetness and vibrant flavor.
• Avocado Ripeness: Similarly, choose avocados that are ripe but firm. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure. Overly soft avocados can be mushy, while hard ones won’t be creamy enough.
• Adjust Spice Level: The homemade jerk seasoning and jalapeño in the salsa allow for customization. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes in the seasoning, and remove more (or all) of the seeds from the jalapeño. For more heat, add an extra pinch of both!
• Toasting Buns: Don’t skip toasting the Hawaiian rolls! It adds a crucial textural element and helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy under the juicy chicken and salsa. A quick buttering before toasting adds even more flavor.
• Leftover Magic: As mentioned, any leftover jerk chicken and mango salsa are fantastic for making tacos. You can also use the chicken in wraps, salads, or bowls for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
• Chicken Thighs: While the recipe calls for chicken breast, chicken thighs can also be used for an even juicier, richer flavor. Cooking time in the Instant Pot would remain similar.

Jamaican Jerk Sliders Recipe Card