Wood-Fired Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts paired with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa bursting with tropical flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp honey
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred and juicy.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small seeded and finely chopped jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tsp honey. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the fresh pineapple salsa for a bright, tropical contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Grilled Chicken with 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 Wood-Fired Grilled Chicken with 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 Wood-Fired 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 Wood-Fired 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 Wood-Fired Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa?
Caribbean chicken 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.
