Tropical Spiced Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your summertime grilling with this Tropical Spiced Grilled Chicken topped with a vibrant Pineapple Salsa. The enchanting blend of spices in the curry-inspired rub—composed of earthy coriander, aromatic cumin, and warm turmeric—transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece. Paired with a refreshing salsa made from sweet pineapple, crunchy radishes, and zesty cilantro, this dish is a feast for the senses. Perfect for summer gatherings or family dinners, it brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean straight to your grill. Enjoy a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy notes in every bite!
N/A
Servings
366
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon
Ground coriander
2 teaspoons
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons
Garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon
Ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon
Ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Pineapple
3/4 medium (peeled, cored, and cut into small dice (about 2 cups))
Radishes
4 large (trimmed and cut into small dice (about 3/4 cup))
Orange bell pepper or yellow bell pepper
1/2 medium (cut into small dice (about 2/3 cup))
Jalapeno (optional)
1 small (cut into small dice)
Fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (more to taste)
Kosher salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Boneless chicken breasts or turkey breast cutlets
6 (pounded lightly to about 3/4 inches thick)
Canola oil or vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Prepare the spice rub by combining dark brown sugar, ground coriander, ground cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground ginger, and ground turmeric in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
2
In a medium bowl, prepare the Pineapple Salsa by combining diced pineapple, radishes, bell pepper, jalapeno (if using), fresh cilantro, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to sit while you grill the chicken, letting the flavors meld together.
3
Preheat your grill by building a hot charcoal fire or setting a gas grill to high heat for at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly coat both sides of the chicken breasts or turkey cutlets with canola or vegetable oil, then rub the spice mixture generously over the meat.
4
Once the grill is ready, clean the grate with a wire brush and oil it lightly to prevent sticking.
5
Place the chicken or turkey on the hottest part of the grill. Grill uncovered for charcoal or covered for gas. Cook until impressive grill marks form on one side for 2 to 3 minutes.
6
Turn the meat over and continue grilling. For chicken breasts, cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, and for turkey cutlets, 1 to 2 minutes, until each piece is firm to the touch and cooked through. (For pork, be cautious of flare-ups.)
7
Once cooked, transfer the grilled meat to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.
8
Serve the grilled chicken or turkey with the vibrant Pineapple Salsa spooned generously over the top or on the side.
9
For an enhanced dining experience, pair this dish with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red wine like Rosemount Estate's Shiraz-Grenache.
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
30
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for the spice rub?
The spice rub consists of dark brown sugar, ground coriander, ground cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground ginger, and ground turmeric.
How do I make the Pineapple Salsa?
Combine diced pineapple, radishes, bell pepper, optional jalapeno, fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl and let it sit while grilling the chicken.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, turkey breast cutlets are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts and generally cook faster, taking only 1 to 2 minutes per side after flipping.
How long should I grill the chicken breasts?
Grill the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until grill marks form, then flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until firm to the touch.
Why is it important to rest the grilled chicken?
Resting the meat for 5 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is moist and juicy when served.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this dish?
Each serving of Tropical Spiced Grilled Chicken contains approximately 366 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This recipe provides a high protein content of 30 grams per serving.
What type of grill heat is required?
You should use a hot charcoal fire or set a gas grill to high heat, preheating for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
Is the jalapeno in the salsa mandatory?
No, the jalapeno is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder salsa without the spice.
How should I prepare the chicken before applying the rub?
Pound the chicken breasts lightly to about 3/4 inches thick and coat both sides with canola or vegetable oil before applying the spice mixture.
What wine pairs well with this Tropical Spiced Chicken?
It pairs well with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red wine such as a Shiraz-Grenache.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are a total of 17 ingredients, including spices for the rub, components for the salsa, and the chicken itself.
What kind of oil should be used for grilling?
Canola oil or vegetable oil is recommended both for coating the meat and for lightly oiling the grill grate.
How much pineapple is needed for the salsa?
You will need approximately 3/4 of a medium pineapple, which should be peeled, cored, and diced to make about 2 cups.
What type of bell pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for half of a medium orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into small dice.
Should the grill be covered or uncovered?
Grill uncovered if using charcoal, but keep the lid closed if using a gas grill.
How do I prevent the meat from sticking to the grill?
Once the grill is hot, clean the grate with a wire brush and oil it lightly to prevent sticking.
What is the recommended thickness for the chicken breasts?
Chicken breasts or turkey cutlets should be pounded to a uniform thickness of about 3/4 inches.
Why are radishes included in the salsa?
Radishes add a refreshing crunch and a slightly peppery note that complements the sweet pineapple.
What flavors does the curry-inspired rub provide?
The rub provides earthy notes from coriander and cumin, warmth from turmeric and ginger, and sweetness from brown sugar.
How much lime juice is used in the salsa?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, though you can add more to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy meal?
Yes, with high protein, lean chicken, and a fresh fruit-and-vegetable salsa, it is categorized as a healthy meal.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the pineapple and brown sugar.
Where do the Caribbean flavors come from?
The fusion of tropical pineapple, citrusy lime, and the specific blend of spices like turmeric and ginger creates the Caribbean profile.
Can I use pork for this recipe?
The instructions mention that if using pork, you should be particularly cautious of flare-ups on the grill.
How long does the salsa need to sit?
The salsa should sit for the duration of the grilling and resting process to allow the flavors to properly meld.
What type of salt is recommended for the rub?
The recipe specifically recommends using kosher salt for both the spice rub and the salsa.
Is the cilantro used fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for the best flavor in the salsa.
How much ground ginger is in the spice mix?
The spice rub includes 3/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.