Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Charred Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in bright citrus flavors, served alongside a sweet and smoky pineapple salsa with a hint of heat. This caribbean-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 55 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove and let rest.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, char 1 cup diced fresh pineapple in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until caramelized and slightly blackened on edges.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the charred pineapple, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced seeded jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tsp honey. Mix gently to form the pineapple salsa.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken topped or alongside the charred pineapple salsa for a vibrant, balanced dish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 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 with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

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

Caribbean sandwiches & wraps 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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