Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty citrus blend and grilled alongside sweet pineapple slices for a perfect balance of smoky and bright flavors. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours, to infuse flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Remove chicken from marinade and place directly on the grill grates. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp and charred.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, brush 1 whole pineapple sliced into 1/2-inch rounds with 2 tbsp honey on each side. Place pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 3 minutes per side until caramelized and grill marks appear.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and pineapple from grill. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve chicken thighs topped with grilled pineapple slices for a smoky, sweet, and tangy combination.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple?

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-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Charred Pineapple?

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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