Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a tangy citrus-honey blend, grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh charred pineapple salsa for a bright, smoky finish. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes blends orange juice, lemon juice, honey 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.

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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs and coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread 1 cup pineapple chunks onto skewers and grill for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Remove pineapple from skewers and transfer to a bowl. Add 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced jalapeño. Stir to combine and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Place marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear, with nicely charred edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the charred pineapple salsa for a fresh, smoky contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Honey Chicken Thighs with Charred 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-Honey Chicken Thighs with Charred 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-Honey Chicken Thighs with Charred 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-Honey Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean grilling 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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