Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Name: Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger powder); 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water; 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into large slices; 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into large slices; 1/4 small purple onion, diced; 1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped (adjust to taste); Juice of 1 lime; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

April 18, 2025

Updated:

April 18, 2025

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The warm weather always brings the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill, and there’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet and savory flavors found in Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa. Imagine tender, juicy chicken marinated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection and paired with a vibrant, fresh pineapple salsa. It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a delicious dinner, this recipe has your back. With its colorful ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find that preparing this dish is as enjoyable as savoring each bite. So, grab your grill, gather your friends and family, and let’s get cooking!

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dish lies in the tender juiciness of grilled chicken. Marinating the chicken in a homemade teriyaki sauce adds layers of flavor that elevate it to new heights. The blend of honey, soy sauce, and ginger creates a glaze that’s simply irresistible.

Plus, grilling fruits like pineapple and red bell pepper brings out a smoky sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. When you bite into the warm grilled pineapple, you’ll understand why so many love this combination. It’s sweet, savory, and truly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

This Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is sure to please everyone at your gathering. The vibrant mix of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience on your plate. The juicy chicken paired with a zesty salsa made of fresh ingredients makes it perfect for warm nights and casual entertaining.

Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You can whip this dish up on a busy weeknight or dazzle guests during a summer cookout. The freshness of the pineapple salsa brightens the overall dish, making it feel exciting and refreshing!

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Chicken:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
– 2 cloves garlic, grated
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger powder)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water

For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into large slices
– 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into large slices
– 1/4 small purple onion, diced
– 1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 tablespoon lime zest
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

Marinating the Chicken

Combine Ingredients for Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, you’ll add the grated garlic, honey, soy sauce, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Whisk everything together. Just remember to hold off on the cornstarch for later—it’s coming up next!

Marinate the Chicken

Take your chicken and place it in a shallow bowl. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. The other half of the sauce should go into the fridge for later.

Grilling the Chicken and Vegetables

Preheat the Grill

When you’re ready to get going, preheat your grill to medium heat. This temperature is just right for grilling chicken and those lovely veggies.

Grill Chicken and Vegetables

Now, it’s time to fire up that grill! Place the marinated chicken, along with the pineapple and red bell pepper slices, directly on the grill. Make sure to turn the veggies every 2-3 minutes so they get that nice char. The chicken should grill for about 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once everything is beautifully golden brown, remove it from the grill and set aside.

Preparing the Pineapple Salsa

Chop Grilled Ingredients

Allow the grilled pineapple and red bell pepper to cool just enough to handle. Then chop them into bite-sized pieces. The smoky sweetness of the grilled fruits will shine through in your salsa.

Combine Salsa Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped pineapple, red bell pepper, diced onion, jalapeno, lime juice, lime zest, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until it’s all mixed well. This bright salsa will add so much freshness to your dish!

Thickening the Teriyaki Sauce

Prepare the Slurry

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. This will create a slurry that helps thicken your sauce beautifully.

Thicken the Sauce

Now, take the reserved teriyaki sauce and add the slurry. Heat it in a skillet or microwave it in 20-second increments while whisking constantly. You want to ensure it thickens nicely without clumping.

Serving Suggestions

For an excellent presentation, serve the grilled chicken alongside the pineapple salsa. If you like, place it all over a bed of rice. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce on top for a beautiful finish. It’ll not only look good but also taste amazing!

Tips for Success

Remember, do not skip marinating the chicken; it truly enhances the flavor.
If you prefer a spicier salsa, consider adjusting the amount of jalapeno to your taste.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you’re after that extra juiciness. Or switch out pineapple with mango for a delightful tropical twist that packs a new flavor!

Pairing Ideas

To create a complete meal, serve this dish with jasmine rice or quinoa. You could also pair it with a light salad or grilled vegetables for added freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! While a homemade sauce offers more flavor, store-bought can save you time.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for up to 4 hours, but don’t go too long, as it could become mushy.

3. Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes! A grill pan on the stove works perfectly for grilling indoors.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Simply put your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to 3 days.

5. Can I freeze the grilled chicken?
Absolutely! It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

This Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will delight your taste buds and add vibrancy to your dinner table. The combination of sweet and savory, along with zesty salsa, ensures a memorable dining experience that is easy to achieve. Enjoy each bite as flavors meld together, while the grilled fruits elevate the dish to new heights. Whether for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress!

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Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients