Caribbean Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a zesty orange and lime sauce, paired with a fresh pineapple salsa bursting with tropical flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, orange juice, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin side down for 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and pour the citrus glaze over them. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and glaze thickens.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Mix well and set aside for flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven and spoon pineapple salsa over each thigh before serving, enjoying the sweet and tangy contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Citrus-Glazed Chicken with 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 Caribbean Citrus-Glazed Chicken with 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 Caribbean Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean 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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