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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 large red bell pepper, diced - 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (remove seeds for a milder flavor) - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime The marinade makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. You need olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients create a tasty blend. The olive oil helps keep the chicken moist. Garlic powder adds depth, while cumin gives a warm, earthy note. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to make everything pop. For the salsa, fresh flavors shine. Start with ripe pineapple. It brings sweetness and tang. The red bell pepper adds crunch and color. The jalapeño gives it a kick. Adjust the heat by removing the seeds. Red onion adds sharpness, while cilantro gives a herbaceous touch. Lime juice and zest brighten the salsa. Together, they make a vibrant topping for the chicken. Enjoy the burst of flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, add the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they blend well. Next, place the chicken breasts in the bowl. Make sure each piece is well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Then, put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 4 hours for more flavor. While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa. Take a separate mixing bowl and add the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, and finely chopped red onion. Add the coarsely chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Gently toss everything together. This helps the flavors mix. Set the salsa aside so it can develop its taste while the chicken marinates. Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This step helps the juices inside the meat to redistribute. Slice each chicken breast and spoon plenty of fresh pineapple salsa over the top. For a beautiful presentation, serve the Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken on a plate. You can add extra cilantro for garnish. A side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad makes a great addition to your meal. To get juicy, grilled chicken, start with good marinade. The olive oil, garlic powder, and cumin add great taste. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, let it sit for up to 4 hours. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful. When you grill, make sure your grill is hot. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices stay inside. A great salsa needs fresh ingredients. Use ripe pineapple for sweetness. Fresh cilantro adds a nice herb taste. Don't skip the lime juice; it brightens all the flavors. If you want more heat, keep some seeds from the jalapeño. Mix the salsa well and let it sit for a bit. This lets the flavors blend together. Try adding a pinch of salt to make the flavors pop even more. Marination time is key for flavor. The longer you marinate, the deeper the taste. If you have time, aim for 4 hours. If you're in a rush, 30 minutes works too. Just remember, don’t marinate for too long. If you do, the chicken can become mushy. A good balance is essential for the best Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better if you have the time! Pineapple Freshness: Use a ripe pineapple for the salsa to enhance the sweetness; it makes a big difference in flavor. Grilling Technique: Ensure your grill is properly preheated for nice grill marks and to prevent sticking; oil the grill grates if necessary. Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a light salad, complementing the tropical flavors beautifully. {{image_4}} You can use different proteins for this dish. Try using fish like salmon or tilapia. These cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Shrimp is another great option. It cooks fast and pairs nicely with the salsa. If you want a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu. Just press it to remove extra water before marinating. This gives you tasty, versatile options for your Tropical Pineapple Salsa! To meet various diets, you can adjust your sides. For gluten-free meals, serve with rice or quinoa. If you want a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice. For a fresh touch, add a green salad with mixed greens. If you follow a dairy-free diet, skip any cheese toppings. You can also use avocado slices or extra salsa for creaminess. These small changes can make the meal fit different diets while keeping it delicious! Get creative with your salsa! Add diced mango for an extra sweet kick. Try using diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch. If you like heat, toss in more jalapeño or even diced habanero. You can also include black beans for added protein and texture. Fresh mint can give a cool flavor, too. Experiment with these add-ins to find your favorite combination! To store leftover chicken, let it cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. The frozen chicken can last up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Store the leftover salsa in a clean, airtight container. Make sure it is completely cool before sealing. Place the salsa in the fridge where it can stay fresh for about three days. If you see any discoloration or smell, it's best to throw it out. For longer storage, consider freezing the salsa. Use freezer-safe bags and remove as much air as possible. Frozen salsa can last up to two months. Reheat the chicken gently to avoid drying it out. You can use an oven or a microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. The salsa can be served cold. If you prefer it warm, heat it in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can serve Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken with several tasty sides. I suggest fluffy rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You could also try black beans or corn to add more colors and flavors. These sides will balance the sweet and spicy notes of the chicken and salsa. Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Fresh pineapple adds a nice crunch and bright flavor. Just peel, core, and dice the fruit before adding it to the salsa. This choice also brings more nutrients to your meal. To make the salsa spicier, add more jalapeño or include some chopped serrano peppers. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for extra heat. If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or use less of it. You can even skip it altogether and still enjoy a delicious salsa. We covered how to make delicious Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for grilling. Remember to marinate the chicken for more flavor and enhance your salsa with fresh herbs. Explore variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers. This dish is simple and tasty, making it great for any meal. Enjoy your cooking and delight in every bite!

Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken

A refreshing and vibrant chicken dish topped with a sweet and spicy pineapple salsa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 piece ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 piece jalapeño pepper, minced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 2 pieces limes, juiced
  • 1 piece lime, zested

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor infusion).
  • While the chicken is marinating, gather a separate mixing bowl. Combine the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, finely chopped red onion, coarsely chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well mixed. Set the salsa aside to let the flavors combine and develop.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once heated, take the chicken breasts out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place them on the grill. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice each chicken breast and generously spoon the fresh pineapple salsa over the top.
  • Present the Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken beautifully on a plate garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Serve alongside a bed of rice, fluffy quinoa, or a vibrant fresh green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Notes

For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeño pepper.
Keyword chicken, grilled, pineapple, salsa