Hawaiian-Style Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in tropical spices, served with a vibrant fresh pineapple salsa that balances sweet and tangy notes. This international-inspired grilling ready in about 49 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, fresh pineapple, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 International cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, then let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 small diced jalapeño, 3 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Let salsa sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving over grilled chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hawaiian-Style Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 49 minutes (35 min prep + 14 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 Hawaiian-Style Grilled Chicken 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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hawaiian-Style Grilled Chicken 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 Hawaiian-Style Grilled Chicken 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 Hawaiian-Style Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?

International 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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