Grilled Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa
Summary
Grilled Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa is the culinary dream you didn’t know you had! This dish, a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky, offers a thrilling experience for your taste buds. Imagine succulent chicken marinated in tantalizing spices and that zesty burst of pineapple salsa with every bite! AH7 brings you a guide to master this dish, right in your kitchen. So, let’s turn up the heat and dive into the delicious world of Grilled Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large pieces (about 1 lb [450g])
- Pineapple: 1 cup, diced (approximately half a medium pineapple)
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium-sized, finely diced
- Jalapeño: 1, deseeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- Lime: 1, juiced
- Cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Ground black pepper: 1 tsp (5g)
- Salt: 1 tsp (5g)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Paprika: 1 tsp (5g)
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp (5g)
- Onion powder: 1 tsp (5g)
Total Time: 30 minutes (15 minutes prep + 15 minutes cooking)
Serves: 2
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 13g
- Sodium: 680mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by preheating your grill over medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- As the chicken grills, in another mixing bowl, toss together the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Season the salsa with a pinch of salt and mix well.
- Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the grilled chicken hot, topped with generous spoonfuls of the spicy pineapple salsa.
Tips
- For an even juicier chicken, consider marinating it in the spice mixture for at least an hour before grilling.
- The pineapple salsa tastes even better when refrigerated for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If the salsa is too spicy, add a bit more diced pineapple or lime juice to balance the heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Grilled Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa with a refreshing side of mixed greens or a simple quinoa salad.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside brown rice or whole wheat tortillas.
- Drizzle with a light yogurt or avocado dressing for an added creamy element.
- If you’re looking for a drink to accompany this dish, a chilled iced tea with a slice of lemon would do wonders!
FAQ
Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the recipe:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a juicier alternative to breasts. Just adjust the grilling time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. What if I don’t have a grill? Can I use a stovetop or oven?
Certainly! If using a stovetop, you can pan-sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. If using an oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) until the chicken is fully cooked.
3. I’m not a fan of cilantro. Is there an alternative herb I can use?
Definitely. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or even mint for a different flavor twist.
4. How can I store leftover pineapple salsa?
Store the leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to 2-3 days.
5. Can I make the salsa a day ahead?
Yes, making the salsa a day in advance can allow the flavors to meld together even more. Just ensure it’s stored in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
6. Is it essential to deseed the jalapeño?
Deseeding the jalapeño reduces its heat. If you prefer a spicier salsa, feel free to leave some or all of the seeds in.
7. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple for the salsa?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for its crispness and natural sweetness, you can use canned pineapple in a pinch. Ensure you drain it well before dicing.
8. What’s the best way to check if my chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
9. Can I add other ingredients to the salsa for more variety?
Of course! Mango, red onion, or even avocado can be great additions to the pineapple salsa, providing more depth of flavor.
10. How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Brushing the chicken with olive oil, as the recipe suggests, will also help prevent sticking.
Wrapping It Up
Grilled Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa is not just another chicken dish; it’s an adventure for your palate! With its vibrant colors and flavors, it’s bound to be a hit at any dinner table. AH7 ensures you get the most accurate, engaging, and easy-to-follow recipes. So, the next time you’re looking for a dish that screams health, flavor, and finesse, you know what to whip up!
Grilled Chicken with Spicy Pineapple Salsa
Nutritions
Ingredients
- – Chicken breasts: 2 large pieces about 1 lb [450g]
- – Pineapple: 1 cup diced (approximately half a medium pineapple)
- – Red bell pepper: 1 medium-sized finely diced
- – Jalapeño: 1 deseeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- – Lime: 1 juiced
- – Cilantro: 2 tbsp chopped
- – Ground black pepper: 1 tsp 5g
- – Salt: 1 tsp 5g
- – Olive oil: 2 tbsp 30ml
- – Paprika: 1 tsp 5g
- – Garlic powder: 1 tsp 5g
- – Onion powder: 1 tsp 5g
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your grill over medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- As the chicken grills, in another mixing bowl, toss together the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Season the salsa with a pinch of salt and mix well.
- Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the grilled chicken hot, topped with generous spoonfuls of the spicy pineapple salsa.
Notes
2. The pineapple salsa tastes even better when refrigerated for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
4. If the salsa is too spicy, add a bit more diced pineapple or lime juice to balance the heat.
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