Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean with our Island Grilled Chicken with Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa! This vibrant dish combines succulent grilled chicken breasts with a zesty salsa that bursts with the tropical flavors of pineapple and jalapeno. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a dish that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the jalapeno pineapple salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pineapple, finely chopped jalapeno, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the salsa aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
- While the grill is heating, prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them sear nicely on the grill.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing for nice grill marks to form.
- After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- While the chicken is resting, give the salsa a quick stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- To serve, slice the grilled chicken breasts and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the jalapeno pineapple salsa generously over the top of the chicken.
- Garnish with additional cilantro if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Island Grilled Chicken with Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa!
Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra kick, consider marinating the chicken breasts in lime juice, olive oil, and your favorite spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Adjust the Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before chopping. Alternatively, you can add more jalapeno for a spicier salsa!
- Rest the Chicken: Don't skip the resting step after grilling. Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes ensures that the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
- Grill Marks Matter: To achieve those beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the chicken around too much while it cooks. Let it sear for the full 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Serve with a Twist: Elevate your dish by serving it with additional lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
- Pair It Right: This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice or a simple green salad, making it a versatile option for any meal.Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful Caribbean-inspired recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
