Recipe

Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken with Charred Pineapple Salsa

A vibrant summer grilling recipe featuring juicy honey-lime marinated chicken breasts paired with a fresh charred pineapple salsa. This dish balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors for a refreshing outdoor meal.

⏱ 30 min total 🥣 4 servings ⭐ Easy 🌍 Contemporary American
Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Total30 min
Serves4

Ingredients

  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array
  • Array

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or large resealable bag and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor). Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Slice the pineapple into 1/2-inch thick rounds or chunks suitable for grilling.
  4. Brush the pineapple pieces lightly with olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear and pineapple is caramelized. Remove from grill and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  5. While pineapple grills, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, diced red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir gently to mix. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Once chicken is cooked, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each chicken breast topped with a generous spoonful of the charred pineapple salsa.

Chef tips

  • If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or substitute with a small diced sweet bell pepper.
  • For a more intense smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add a small handful of soaked wood chips to a gas grill smoker box.
  • If fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup) can be used but reduce grilling time to avoid burning.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and allow juices to redistribute.

Pros

  • Bright, fresh flavors perfect for warm weather meals.
  • Quick and easy to prepare with common ingredients.
  • Balances protein with fruit for a healthy, well-rounded dish.

Cons / watch-outs

  • Requires a grill or grill pan for best results.
  • Marinating time needed for optimal flavor, so some planning ahead is required.

Diet & nutrition notes

Diet notes: Gluten-free and dairy-free. Can be adapted for paleo and whole30 diets by ensuring honey is omitted or replaced with approved sweetener.

Nutrition note: Each serving provides approximately 320 calories, 35 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fat, making it a balanced option for a light, healthy summer dinner.

#advanced#appetizer#asparagus#autumn#autumn salad#autumn soup#autumn spices#autumn vegetables#avocado#baked#baked fish#baked meal#baking#balsamic#banana#basil#basil balsamic dressing#basil pesto#bbq#beef#beef stew#berry dessert#black beans#bread#breakfast bars#broccoli#brussels sprouts#budget meal#budget-friendly#butternut squash#casserole#cheese#cheesecake#cheesy#cheesy casserole#chia seeds#chicken#chicken nuggets#chicken skewers#chicken stew#chicken thighs#chickpeas#chocolate#cinnamon#citrus#coconut#coconut milk#cod#coffee cake#comfort food#comfort meal#cozy#cozy soup#cranberries#cranberry#creamy#creamy sauce#creamy tomato#curry#dairy-free#dinner#easy dessert#easy dinner#easy grilling#easy meal#easy recipe#easy soup#egg#eggs#fall#fall baking#fall recipe#fall recipes#family#family casserole#family dinner#family meal#feta#fiber rich#fiber-rich#flexible#foil packets#fresh#fresh salad#fresh salsa#fresh veggies#fruit salsa#fusion#garlic#garlic butter#garlic herb#glaze#gluten free option#gluten-free option#green beans#grilled chicken#grilled peaches#grilled vegetables#grilling#ground beef#ground turkey#halloumi#healthy#healthy dinner#healthy lunch#healthy meal#healthy meals#healthy twist#healthy wrap#healthy-ish#hearty#herbs#hidden vegetables#hidden veggies#holiday#holiday baking#holiday side dish#honey balsamic#honey lime#honey lime glaze#honey mustard#italian#kid friendly#kid friendly dinner#kid-friendly#lean protein#lean turkey#lemon garlic#lemon herb#lemon herb rice#lentils#light#light meal#light meals#low carb#low carb option#low sugar#lunch#lunch bowl#make ahead#make-ahead#mango#maple#maple syrup#meatless#meatloaf#mediterranean#mediterranean fusion#mini meatloaf#mini pizzas#muffins#mushroom#mushrooms#mussels#no cook#no-bake#nut butter#nutty#nutty pesto#oats#one dish#one dish meal#one pan#one skillet#one-dish#one-dish meal#one-pan#one-pan meal#one-pot meal#one-skillet#outdoor cooking#oven-baked#pasta bake#peach recipe#peanut butter#pear#pecan#pecans#pesto#pineapple#plant-based#pork tenderloin#portable#protein#protein-packed#protein-rich#pumpkin#quesadilla#quick breakfast#quick dessert#quick dinner#quick lunch#quick meal#quick salad#quick-meal#quinoa#quinoa wrap#rainbow pasta#rice#rice bowl#roasted red pepper#roasted vegetables#root vegetables#salad#salmon#sausage#savory#scallops#seafood#seasonal#sheet pan#sheet pan dinner#shrimp#shrimp skewers#side dish#skewers#slow cooker#snack#soup#southwest#southwestern#spicy#spinach#spring#spring vegetables#stew#stir-fry#streusel#stuffed vegetables#summer#summer dessert#summer grilling#summer slaw#summer vegetables#sun-dried tomatoes#sweet potato#sweet potato fries#sweet potatoes#tex-mex#tilapia#tomatoes#tropical#truffle#tuna salad#turkey#turkey meatballs#turkey wrap#umami#upside-down cake#vegan option#vegetable skewers#vegetables#vegetarian option#walnuts#warm#weeknight dinner#weeknight meal#weeknight-dinner#white beans#whole wheat#whole wheat wrap#winter#wrap#wraps#yogurt dressing#zucchini