Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken- Amee's Savory Dish

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Step up your grilling game with Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken! This tropical culinary masterpiece showcases grilled teriyaki chicken topped with pineapple jalapeno salsa, creating a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavors in every bite. Serve over rice or in tacos!

overhead photo of a plate of grilled chicken over rice with pineapple jalapeno salsa on top

If you’re looking for a grilling recipe that transports your tastebuds to an island paradise, look no further than this jalapeno pineapple chicken!

I took a store-bought shortcut and marinated chicken breasts in ready-made teriyaki sauce for this Hawaiian-inspired dish before cooking it on the grill. To build on the tropical element, I paired the grilled teriyaki chicken with a pineapple jalapeño salsa adapted from one I found on Eating Well -and that’s all there is to it!

You can serve this pineapple jalapeno chicken as a standalone main protein dish or use the chicken and salsa as a taco filling! Regardless, I highly recommend making extra jalapeno pineapple salsa to serve with other grilled proteins like sea bass, salmon, and shrimp!

Why you'll love this recipe

It’s a flavor party for your tastebuds. Each bite delivers a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors for a truly unforgettable dish.
Pre-made teriyaki marinade. If you want to make teriyaki from scratch, you can, but you can just as well use your favorite store-bought teriyaki marinade to keep it simple.
The versatility. You can marinate practically any protein in teriyaki, cook it on the grill and then top it with the jalapeno pineapple salsa.

Ingredients you'll need

ingredients for jalapeno pineapple chicken measured out on a counter

For the chicken:

Chicken – I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work, but they may need another minute or two on the grill.
Teriyaki – I used Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki® Marinade & Sauce, but feel free to use your favorite premade teriyaki marinade. They also make a gluten-free version to make this recipe gluten-free!

For the pineapple jalapeno salsa:

Pineapple – This is the salsa’s starring ingredient, so opt for the ripest pineapple you can get your hands on.
Jalapenos – I remove the inner spine and seeds before mincing the jalapenos for a milder salsa, but you can always incorporate some of the spine and seeds to increase the heat level.
Cilantro – It adds a distinctive flavor and aroma, but if you or someone you're serving dislikes cilantro, you can replace it with parsley for a milder flavor.
Lime juice – The acidity brings out the flavors of the rest of the ingredients and adds a pleasant tangy and citrusy element.
Avocado oil – It helps create a cohesive consistency without overpowering the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Salt and pepper – Preferably coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste.

How to make pineapple jalapeño chicken

steps for making this recipe: marinating chicken, making the salsa, grilling the chicken, and plated with rice

This grilled pineapple salsa chicken recipe is as easy as 1-2-3! It starts with a store-bought teriyaki marinade and ends with succulent grilled chicken topped with pineapple jalapeno salsa. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Marinate chicken. Place the chicken in a shallow glass bowl or sealable plastic bag (a Foodsaver sealer works great here). Add the teriyaki marinade, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover, and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Step 2: Make salsa. About an hour before grilling the chicken, place the salsa ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. Keep it covered in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature before serving.

pineapple salsa ingredients in a white bowl

jalapeno pineapple salsa mixed in a white bowl with a spoon

Step 3: Cook chicken. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Step 4: Rest, plate, and serve. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before garnishing each piece with a scoop of salsa. Serve over any rice you like, and enjoy!

side view of grilled chicken topped with pineapple salsa and rice on a plate with a fork with a green napkin

Grilling tips

Pound chicken. If your chicken breasts (or thighs) are large and thick, pound them to an even 1” thickness before marinating to ensure even cooking.
Preheat the grill properly. For a good sear and nice grill marks, the grill must be HOT, so preheat it to medium-high heat and use “the hand test” to ensure it’s hot enough.
Baste chicken. While grilling, baste the chicken with more unused teriyaki marinade. This enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a gorgeous glaze.
Check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Resting time. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, and let it rest for a few minutes, so the juices can redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful grilled chicken.

Variations

Switch up the marinade. The spicy pineapple salsa complements a range of savory-sweet marinades and sauces. Feel free to substitute teriyaki for any of the following alternatives:

Jalapeno pineapple chicken kebabs. Another option is skewering the chicken before grilling. If your skewers are wood, soak them in water before using them.

Serving suggestions

This jalapeno pineapple chicken pairs well with various sides that balance and enhance the tropical flavors. Here are some options to consider:

Alternatively, you can make teriyaki chicken tacos. After resting, slice the grilled chicken and pile it into your favorite tortillas with pineapple jalapeno salsa and your favorite taco toppings.

Storing

After cooling, refrigerate the leftover grilled chicken and pineapple jalapeno salsa in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish.

FAQs

Can I cook the marinated chicken on the stove instead of grilling?

Absolutely! If you don't have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken on the stove in an oiled heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Just be sure to shake off the excess marinade before placing the chicken in the pan.

Can I cook the marinated chicken in the air fryer instead of grilling?

Yep! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Then, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off the excess, and cook in a single layer in the air fryer basket for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. *Make sure to check your brand of air fryer for the best settings for cooking boneless chicken breasts.

More grilled chicken recipes you'll love

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grilled chicken topped with fresh pineapple salsa with white rice and a lime wedge

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Amee Livingston

Hi, I'm Amee and I'm completely obsessed with all things fitness, recipe makeovers, and creating tasty, time-saving, recipes. Born and raised in South Carolina, I have a deep love for southern food culture. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Cancer Exercise Specialist, recipe developer, and freelance content creator. I believe that anyone can be an amazing home cook, and there's nothing better than family time around the table!