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To make Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken, you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients form the base of the dish. The chicken is lean and absorbs the marinade well. Olive oil adds moisture and flavor. Garlic powder brings depth, while cumin adds a warm touch. For the marinade, gather these items: - Salt and pepper to taste The salt and pepper allow you to enhance the chicken's flavor. Adjust them based on your taste preferences. This simple marinade makes the chicken juicy and tasty. For the salsa, you will need: - 1 ripe pineapple, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for less spice) - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime The salsa adds a bright and fresh touch. Pineapple provides sweetness and acidity. Red bell pepper adds crunch and color. Jalapeño gives a kick, while red onion adds sharpness. Cilantro brings a fresh herb flavor. Lime juice and zest tie it all together with tang. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This makes a tasty marinade. Add the four chicken breasts to the bowl. Coat each piece well with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa. Take a separate bowl and add diced pineapple, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, and chopped red onion. Next, throw in fresh cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Toss everything together well. Let it sit so the flavors mix nicely. This salsa adds a bright kick to the chicken. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip it over and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and very juicy. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Top it with your fresh pineapple salsa for a tropical twist. Marinating your chicken is key to great flavor. Start with olive oil, garlic powder, and cumin. These ingredients work together well. Mix them in a bowl with salt and pepper. Add the chicken and coat it fully. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. For best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will deepen the taste. Grilling chicken can be simple and fun. Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. This helps create a nice sear. Take the chicken out of the marinade before grilling. Cook each piece for 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy and tender. The salsa is the star of this dish. To make it pop, use fresh, ripe pineapple. Combine it with red bell pepper and jalapeño for color and spice. Don't forget the red onion and cilantro for freshness. Squeeze fresh lime juice and add lime zest. This adds a zesty kick to the dish. Let the salsa sit for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Choose a Ripe Pineapple: Select a ripe pineapple for the salsa to ensure a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory chicken. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Serving Suggestions: Serve the dish with coconut rice or tortilla chips for a tropical twist that complements the salsa. {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Pork works great with this recipe. Use pork chops or tenderloin. Just adjust cooking times. Tofu is another option for a plant-based meal. Press the tofu to remove water. Marinate it just like the chicken for full flavor. Grill until golden and crispy. Feel free to mix the fruits in your salsa. Mango adds a sweet twist. Try papaya for a soft texture. You can also use kiwi for a tart kick. Remember to keep the balance of sweet and spicy. This keeps the salsa fresh and fun! Want more heat? Add more jalapeño. Keep the seeds in for extra spice. You can also try serrano peppers if you want a different taste. For a smoky flavor, add chipotle powder to the salsa. Adjust the heat to fit your taste, and enjoy! To keep your Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. You should refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the chicken and salsa safe to eat. The dish will last for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. For the salsa, I recommend storing it separately. Freezing may change its texture, but it will still taste good. To reheat your chicken, use the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Check to make sure it's hot all the way through. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) before eating. Serve it with fresh salsa on top for the best flavor! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and make the salsa. You can store both in the fridge. Just remember to grill the chicken fresh on the day you plan to serve it. This keeps the chicken juicy and the salsa vibrant. Many sides go great with Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken. Here are a few ideas: - White rice - Quinoa - Fresh green salad - Grilled vegetables - Black beans These options balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish. Yes, this recipe is quite healthy. It uses lean chicken breasts and fresh fruits. Pineapple adds vitamins, while the veggies boost fiber and nutrients. The olive oil provides healthy fats. Overall, it’s a tasty and nutritious meal. Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken is a tasty dish that brings vibrant flavors. We explored the key ingredients, how to marinate chicken, and make fresh salsa. I shared tips for grilling and storing leftovers. You can switch up proteins and fruits for variety. Remember, this dish can be made ahead. Pair it with your favorite sides for a full meal. Enjoy the fun flavors and feel good knowing it's a healthy choice. Now, it's time for you to try this recipe, share it, and enjoy it with friends and family!

Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken

A delicious grilled chicken dish topped with a fresh pineapple salsa.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor).
  • While the chicken marinates, mix the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest in a separate bowl. Toss well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice the chicken and top with the fresh pineapple salsa.
  • Serve the Tropical Pineapple Salsa Chicken on a plate with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Notes

For less spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeño.
Keyword chicken, grilled, pineapple, salsa