Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Hawaiian Beach Herb Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts soaked in a vibrant citrus brine, topped with a fresh herb relish inspired by tropical Hawaiian flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 32 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, water, kosher salt 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lime zest, and 3 cloves minced garlic; stir until salt and sugar dissolve completely to create the citrus brine.
  2. Step 2: Submerge 4 chicken breasts in the brine and refrigerate for 2 hours to infuse moisture and flavor.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 sliced green onions, and 1/2 cup finely diced pineapple chunks in a small bowl; drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp honey, then season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing gently to form the Hawaiian herb relish.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken breasts from brine, pat dry with paper towels, and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear, turning once halfway through cooking.
  6. Step 6: Transfer chicken to a platter and spoon the prepared herb relish generously over each breast while warm, then sprinkle remaining 1/2 tsp black pepper on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Hawaiian Beach Herb Relish take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Hawaiian Beach Herb Relish?

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 water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Hawaiian Beach Herb Relish?

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 Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Hawaiian Beach Herb Relish 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 Grilled Citrus-Brined Chicken with Hawaiian Beach Herb Relish?

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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