Grilled Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Hawaiian Pineapple Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts brushed with a tangy citrus glaze paired with a fresh, sweet Hawaiian pineapple salsa. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, finely diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves until combined to create the citrus glaze.
- Step 2: Place 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour half of the citrus glaze over them, coating thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup finely diced pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 minced jalapeño in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt; toss well and refrigerate.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Lightly brush chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with remaining citrus glaze, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have char marks.
- Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with generous spoonfuls of pineapple salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Hawaiian Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Hawaiian 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Hawaiian 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Hawaiian 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Hawaiian 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.