If you’re craving a bold twist on dinner, chipotle pineapple chicken is the fiery-sweet flavor explosion you didn’t know you needed. Juicy chicken meets smoky chipotle spice and tangy pineapple in a mouthwatering fusion that’s as easy to make as it is unforgettable. Keep reading to discover how this vibrant dish can spice up your next meal.
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 1 chipotle pepper from canned chipotle in adobo
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or oven
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender or food processor, add your pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. This fragrant marinade is where all the magic begins.
- Step 2: Transfer the marinade into a bowl or zip-top bag and add the chicken. Stir or shake to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. If time allows, let it marinate overnight for the most flavorful result.
- Step 3: When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high or preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the chicken come to room temperature while the grill or oven heats.
- Step 4: For grilling, lightly oil your grates. Place the chicken over the heat and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For baking, line a sheet pan with parchment or foil and roast the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway. The juices should run clear, and the edges lightly caramelized.
- Step 5: In the final few minutes of cooking, brush on a bit more of the marinade to create a sticky glaze. This really enhances that charred sweetness.
- Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from heat. This helps all those juices stay locked in for perfectly tender bites.
- Step 7: Slice and serve with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s especially good next to coconut rice or tucked into warm tortillas.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Description
Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, Chipotle Pineapple Chicken is like a summer vacation for your taste buds. The deep, earthy warmth of chipotle peppers mingles beautifully with the vibrant, tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple to create a flavor profile that is bold yet balanced. As the chicken caramelizes on the grill or in your oven, the sugars in the pineapple and honey glaze ever-so-slightly, creating a mouthwatering glaze that seals in every tender bite. There’s a dance of heat and sweetness happening here, and it’s utterly addictive.
Imagine a backyard dinner under string lights with the aroma of grilled chicken drifting lazily through the air. This dish brings those warm-weather vibes to your table year-round. Whether you’re looking for something different to serve at your next barbecue or just want to spice up your weeknight chicken routine, Chipotle Pineapple Chicken delivers tropical excitement with a comforting, home-cooked heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is as practical as it is flavorful. The chicken marinates in a quick and simple chipotle pineapple mixture that doubles as a glaze, making prep fast and cleanup minimal. You can grill it, bake it, or sear it depending on your mood and the season. It is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, and it adapts beautifully to breasts, thighs, or even skewers for grilling.
Plus, the ingredients are mostly pantry and fridge staples. Chipotle in adobo sauce adds bold flavor without needing a dozen spices, and pineapple provides natural sweetness and a tenderizing effect for juicy chicken every time. Whether you enjoy it with rice, tucked into tacos, or over a fresh salad, this is one dish that always hits the mark.
Serving and Storage Tips
Leftover Chipotle Pineapple Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it with a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep it moist, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat.
This dish also freezes well. Before freezing, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely then place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To prep ahead, marinate the chicken the night before. This not only saves time but enhances the flavor to make your next-day dinner easy and extra delicious.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Dinner, Main Course, Grilled, Tropical
Mexican-inspired, American
chipotle chicken, pineapple chicken, chicken marinade, spicy grilled chicken, tropical chicken dish
Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or equivalent portion
For extra flavor, grill the pineapple separately and serve it alongside the chicken. This dish also pairs beautifully with cilantro lime rice and avocado slices for a full tropical plate.
FAQ
Can I marinate this ahead of time?
Yes, marinating the night before will give even better flavor. Just store it in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking.
Can I use pork or tofu instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Pork tenderloin or firm tofu both soak up the bold marinade beautifully. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly.
What should I serve with this dish?
This chicken goes great with white rice, grilled veggies, or even stuffed in warm corn tortillas for tacos. A mango or corn salsa would also elevate the tropical theme.
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Chipotle Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 1 chipotle pepper from canned chipotle in adobo
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the marinade into a mixing bowl and add the chicken. Toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for the deepest flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- If grilling, oil the grates and grill the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, place chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, brush additional marinade over the chicken to create a shiny glaze.
- Remove chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
