Grilled Garlic-Lemon Chicken Inasal with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in garlic and lemon, grilled to smoky perfection, served with a vibrant pineapple salsa for a sweet-tart contrast. This filipino ready in about 51 minutes pairs chicken thighs, lemon juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 16 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/4 cup water in a bowl. Add 1 lb chicken thighs, coating evenly, and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze 1 lime wedge over the salsa and toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled chicken with pineapple salsa and lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Garlic-Lemon Chicken Inasal with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 51 minutes (35 min prep + 16 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 Garlic-Lemon Chicken Inasal with 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Garlic-Lemon Chicken Inasal 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 Garlic-Lemon Chicken Inasal 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 Garlic-Lemon Chicken Inasal with Pineapple Salsa?

Filipino filipino 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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