Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Juicy chicken breasts are paired with a homemade fresh pineapple salsa that boasts sweet, spicy and savory flavors. This colorful 30-minute dish is really easy to make.

Love pineapple? You might also like pie iron upside-down cakes, tasty pineapple scones, or these refreshing pineapple, strawberry popsicles.

Why You’ll Love It

Beautiful tropical flavors: The sweet pineapple, spicy jalapenos and savory grilled chicken combine so well, offering a perfect flavor balance. It’s the taste of Hawaii in a bowl!
Great for meal prep: You can make the salsa up to a week in advance, so it’s a good meal prep recipe.
Easy to make: This is a straightforward recipe to make. You simply have to cook the chicken breasts and combine the ingredients for the spicy pineapple salsa.

Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: I like to use boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer thighs you can use those instead.
Taco seasoning: To add a spicy flavor to the chicken.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is much tastier than canned or frozen pineapple. It’s the backbone of the spicy salsa.
Jalapeno: To add a spicy touch to the salsa.
Lime juice: This gives the salsa a nice tang. You can use bottled but fresh is best.
Tomatoes: For the salsa. Roma are good but you can use any type of tomatoes you want.

How to Make Pineapple Jalapeno Chicken

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the chicken: Coat the chicken in oil and then season with taco seasoning, salt and pepper. Grill on both sides until done and then let it rest.
Make the pineapple salsa: Combine the pineapple, tomatoes, jalapenos, red onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and some salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate until you serve it.
The finishing touches: Chop the chicken and serve over rice with radishes, avocado slices and the pineapple salsa.

Substitutions and Variations

Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or even portobella mushrooms.
Non-spicy version: Omit the jalapeno from the salsa and ensure the taco seasoning is mild not hot.
Extra-spicy version: Make extra-spicy pineapple salsa chicken by swapping the jalapeno for serrano or habanero peppers and leaving the seeds in.
Add more sweetness: Use some brown sugar with the taco seasoning for an added hit of sweetness.
Another fruit: Swap the pineapple for mango or papaya.
Use marinated chicken: Marinate the chicken for half an hour in pineapple juice for a stronger pineapple-glazed chicken flavor.
Grilled pineapple: You can grill the pineapple before using it in the salsa to add a rich smoky flavor.
Brown rice version: Substitute brown rice for the white rice. Keep in mind it takes about twice the time to cook.
Different garnishes: A sprig of fresh cilantro makes a tasty garnish and also adds a pop of color, or you could use a sprig of fresh basil as a garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Start your meal with a jalapeno popper dip or lemon parmesan salad.
Side dishes: Consider Hawaiian macaroni salad or watermelon jalapeño salad on the side.
Desserts: Any of these chocoholic-approved brownie recipes would be a great treat, or you might prefer Oreo muffins.

How to Store Zesty Lime Chicken and Rice

Store: The chicken will keep for up to 3 days and the salsa will keep for up to a week. Keep them separate and refrigerated in covered containers.
Freeze: Don’t freeze this. The salsa would thaw out watery and mushy.