Pineapple Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)
Juicy chicken with lime marinade, topped with fresh pineapple salsa and creamy avocado—a tropical flavor explosion!
# What You Need:
→ Grilled Chicken
01 -
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 -
1/4 cup olive oil
03 -
2 limes
04 -
2 teaspoons minced garlic
05 -
2 teaspoons honey
06 -
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
07 -
1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
09 -
Vegetable oil, for greasing grill or grill pan
→ Pineapple Salsa
10 -
3 cups diced pineapple (18 ounces or most of 1 pineapple)
11 -
1 cup cilantro, loosely packed and finely diced
12 -
2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño
13 -
1/2 cup diced red onion
14 -
1 lime
15 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
16 -
1 large avocado, finely sliced or diced
→ Optional
17 -
Coconut rice, cilantro-lime rice, or quinoa, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 -
Trim chicken and slice breasts in half widthwise. Pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a pan.
02 -
Whisk olive oil, 1 tsp lime zest, 1/4 cup lime juice, minced garlic, honey, cumin, coriander, and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper. Reserve 3 tablespoons.
03 -
Add the marinade to chicken in a resealable bag. Seal and knead to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours (no more than 4 hours).
04 -
Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil grates with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil held with tongs.
05 -
Rub pineapple strips with 1–2 teaspoons vegetable oil. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Let cool and dice.
06 -
Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill for 4–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature is 160°F. Baste with reserved marinade. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
07 -
Combine diced pineapple, cilantro, jalapeño, and red onion in a large bowl. Add 2 tbsp lime juice, cumin, and 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper. Toss gently and taste; adjust seasoning if needed.
08 -
Slice or chop chicken. Serve over rice with pineapple salsa and diced avocado on top.
# Important Notes:
01 -
Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning. Add honey for sweetness or olive oil if richer flavor is desired.
02 -
Grilled pineapple adds sweetness. Dice extra salsa for snacking with chips.