Best Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines tender, smoky grilled chicken with a vibrant and zesty pineapple salsa. This dish is perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, or even a quick weeknight dinner. The sweet and tangy pineapple salsa enhances the juicy grilled chicken, creating a well-balanced meal that's as healthy as it is delicious.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Small spoon
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple finely diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño finely diced (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa:
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toss well and set aside.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa.