Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa
Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines savory grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy salsa. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick dinner. The bright flavors of the pineapple and lime make it easy to enjoy any time of year.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it’s simple to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of marinated grilled chicken and fresh pineapple salsa creates a vibrant meal that is both healthy and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy lean protein while adding a burst of freshness from the fruit and herbs. Plus, it’s easy to adapt to your taste preferences, making it a hit for family dinners and gatherings.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa by combining diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with fresh pineapple salsa.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa
To serve, place the grilled chicken on a plate and generously top it with the fresh pineapple salsa. You can also add a side of rice or a simple salad for a complete meal. This dish pairs well with other fresh sides, such as grilled vegetables or corn on the cob.
How to Store Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The grilled chicken should be eaten within 3-4 days, while the salsa is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the grill, and consider adding some fresh salsa on top when serving again.
Tips to Make Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer than 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- You can grill the pineapple for a few minutes to enhance its sweetness.
- Adjust the spice level of the salsa by adding more or less jalapeño, or omitting it altogether.
Variation
Feel free to switch the pineapple with other fruits, such as mango or peach, for different flavor profiles. You can also substitute chicken with shrimp or firm fish, which will cook quickly and pair wonderfully with the salsa.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
2. Is the salsa spicy?
The salsa can be mildly spicy if you use jalapeño. You can easily make it milder by not including the jalapeño or using only a small amount.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the salsa ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill the chicken.
With this straightforward recipe for Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa, you can enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Print
Grilled Chicken with Fresh Pineapple Salsa
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing dish featuring savory grilled chicken paired with a sweet and tangy fresh pineapple salsa. Perfect for summer barbecues and quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa by combining diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with fresh pineapple salsa.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer than 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Adjust the spice level of the salsa to taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, pineapple salsa, summer recipe, healthy dinner, barbecue
