Caribbean-Inspired Grilled Chicken with Zesty Pineapple Salsa

Transport your taste buds to the sunny Caribbean with our vibrant and flavorful Grilled Chicken featuring a mouthwatering marinade and a refreshing Pineapple Salsa. This dish is a celebration of zesty citrus, island spices, and the sweet kick of pineapple, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway or simply craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal, this recipe is a must-try.

In our kitchen, the Caribbean-inspired Grilled Chicken has become a go-to recipe for adding a burst of flavor to our weeknight dinners. The tantalizing aroma of the chicken marinating in lime, soy sauce, and island spices sets the stage for a culinary adventure. As the chicken sizzles on the grill, we prepare the vibrant Pineapple Salsa—a colorful medley of pineapple, onion, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño for a hint of heat. The result is a dish that brings the essence of the Caribbean to our dinner table, making every bite a delightful escape.

 

Why This Recipe Rocks: Island Flavors at Home:

Experience the taste of the Caribbean with a simple and accessible recipe.

Quick Marination: Achieve maximum flavor with just 30 minutes of marinating time.

Versatile Presentation: Serve over steamed white rice or enjoy as a standalone dish.

Refreshing Pineapple Salsa: Elevate your meal with a zesty salsa that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even 1/2-inch thickness)
  • Steamed white rice for serving (optional)

Chicken Marinade:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes (2-3 tablespoons)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 teaspoons allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Pineapple Salsa:

  • 1 cup diced pineapple
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • Handful of cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken, toss to coat. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, combine all salsa ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. Optional: combine in a blender or food processor and pulse a few times. Chill until ready to use.
  3. Use tongs to transfer chicken to a preheated grill or skillet over medium heat (discard marinade) and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  4. Serve the grilled chicken with a generous topping of Pineapple Salsa.

Notes: Feel free to customize the salsa by adjusting the level of jalapeño for more or less heat. For an extra burst of citrus, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the grilled chicken before serving. This recipe is a fantastic choice for outdoor barbecues or indoor grilling, bringing a taste of the Caribbean to your home. Enjoy the tropical flavors!