Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Recipe – Fresh, Healthy & Flavorful
1. Introduction
Few dinners feel as bright, fresh, and satisfying as Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa. Juicy, smoky chicken straight from the grill paired with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy pineapple salsa—it’s a dish that screams summer but is welcome any time of year.
This recipe is a wonderful balance of flavors: smoky char from the grill, natural sweetness from pineapple, zest from lime, and a touch of heat from jalapeño. It’s healthy without sacrificing flavor, quick enough for a weeknight, and elegant enough for entertaining.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick & healthy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Balanced flavors – Sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy in every bite.
- Flexible – Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even shrimp.
- Meal-prep friendly – Grill extra chicken and use leftovers for salads or wraps.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts (or Thighs) – Lean, juicy protein base.
- Olive Oil – Keeps chicken moist while grilling.
- Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances flavor.
- Lime Juice – Brightens the marinade.
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- Fresh Pineapple – Sweet and juicy base for the salsa.
- Red Onion – Adds crunch and a sharp contrast.
- Jalapeño – A touch of heat; remove seeds for mildness.
- Cilantro – Fresh, herby flavor.
- Lime Juice – Balances sweetness with acidity.
- Salt – Ties all flavors together.
Substitutions:
- Use mango instead of pineapple for a different tropical twist.
- Swap chicken for salmon, shrimp, or tofu.
- Replace cilantro with parsley if you’re not a fan.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Coat chicken and marinate 15–30 minutes. - Prepare the Salsa
While chicken marinates, mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve. - Preheat the Grill
Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking. - Grill the Chicken
Place chicken on grill, cooking 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Rest the Chicken
Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy. - Serve with Salsa
Plate chicken and top generously with pineapple salsa. Garnish with lime wedges.
4. Tips and Variations
- Extra Juicy Chicken: Pound breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Spicy Version: Add chili powder or cayenne to the chicken marinade.
- Tropical Salsa Variations: Mix in mango, avocado, or cucumber.
- Indoor Option: Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet if outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve over coconut rice or cilantro-lime quinoa.
- Pair with grilled veggies or a light salad.
- Make tacos by slicing chicken and topping with salsa in warm tortillas.
- Pair with a tropical drink like pineapple agua fresca or a mojito.
6. Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store chicken and salsa separately for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze grilled chicken (without salsa) up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add salsa fresh before serving.
7. Recipe Notes
- Best made with fresh pineapple for maximum flavor.
- Salsa can be prepped up to 4 hours ahead.
- Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it tender.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 chicken breast + salsa)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Vitamin C | 80% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Salsa:
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds removed if mild)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix salsa ingredients in a bowl; set aside.
- Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving.
- Top with pineapple salsa and enjoy.
10. FAQs
Q1: Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, up to 4 hours in advance. Store in the fridge until serving.
Q2: Can I use canned pineapple?
Fresh is best, but drained canned pineapple works in a pinch.
Q3: What if I don’t have a grill?
Use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop.
Q4: Can I make this spicy?
Yes, keep jalapeño seeds or add extra chili flakes.
Q5: What’s the best side dish for this?
Coconut rice, roasted veggies, or simple green salad.
11. Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is everything you want in a wholesome meal—bright, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe that feels both healthy and indulgent.
Give it a try at your next dinner, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out in the comments below!