Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky honey chipotle BBQ sauce, paired with a bright grilled pineapple salsa for a sweet and spicy flavor contrast. This bbq & smoked-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 55 minutes blends skin on bone-in chicken thighs, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey 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 430 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Toss 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly charred.
  3. Step 3: Chop the grilled pineapple into smaller pieces and mix with 1/2 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the salsa.
  4. Step 4: Grill marinated chicken thighs skin side down for 6-7 minutes until crispy and charred, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken thighs topped with the grilled pineapple salsa for a sweet and smoky finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs with Grilled Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs with Grilled 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 Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs with Grilled 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 Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs with Grilled 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 Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs with Grilled Pineapple Salsa?

BBQ & Smoked 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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