Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant citrus and honey blend, topped with a fresh pineapple salsa for a bright tropical finish. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on 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 360 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 360 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime 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 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: 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 minced and seeded jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Mix gently and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken thighs from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until the skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve topped with vibrant pineapple salsa for a refreshing contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Chicken Thighs with 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 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 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 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 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.

Related recipes