Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Tropical Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in Brazil’s iconic cachaça and served with a vibrant pineapple salsa that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. This Brazilian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, cachaça, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup cachaça, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade. Add 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup diced ripe pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded), 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lime zest in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have nice char marks.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and spoon the chilled pineapple salsa over the top or serve it on the side for a bright, tropical contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Tropical Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Tropical Pineapple Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Tropical Pineapple Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Tropical Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Tropical Pineapple Salsa?

Brazilian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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